Protea nitida bud in the globose stage

In this bud of Protea nitida the perianths have grown to dominate as the superior component of the structure above the widely opened and subservient involucre. The flowerhead shape has progressed from oblong to globose, i.e. nearly spherical.

The original protective shield of the involucre around the vital parts has turned into a base for presenting the many little flowers to whatever pollinators are around at the right time. This moment has not yet arrived, as the perianths are still closed around the pollen presenters at the end of the styles.

They are still inaccessible to birds and insects. The offering of nectar is in preparation for the momentous occasion when the pollen will be ripe and available from the anthers on the freed perianth segments (Rourke, 1980).