Protea obtusifolia white flowerhead, brown bracts

Lower rows of the bracts on this white Protea obtusifolia flowerhead have their rusty dry tips neatly overlapping like arrowheads on parade.

The margins of the innermost (upper) rows of bracts resist early drying that results in brown colouring, accepting their floral responsibilities of maximising attraction. These top bracts have elongated visible bases, displaying more of a paddle-shape than the outer, shorter ones that form the dense involucral wall protecting the florets; lowly soldiers are less concerned with beauty than courtesans stationed among higher society.

The dense overlapping resembles organised defence, the compact wall of shields that Greek hoplites (foot soldiers) presented to their enemies in ancient times (Manning, 2007; Rebelo, 1995; Rourke, 1980; iNaturalist).