Prenia vanrensburgii flowers

The spring flowers of Prenia vanrensburgii are open during the day only, more so on sunny days. The large clusters of cream coloured to pale yellow filamentous staminodes in the flower centres add to the flower’s appeal. A staminode is a rudimentary, sterile or abortive stamen; it cannot produce pollen. Some staminodes are modified to produce nectar that attracts pollinators.

The more than meter long stems branch much as the plant covers sizable patches of ground. It makes land accessible for other vegetation to take root; for insects and other small animals to find shelter (Mustart, et al, 1997; Smith, et al, 1998).