Protea scolymocephala appeal to the sweet tooth

A Protea scolymocephala flowerhead may assume this dessert or cupcake deceptive appearance before the styles start escaping from the grasp of the perianth segments. At this stage the hairiness at segment tips still appears like icing, but there is nothing for people worth eating here.

Whatever is meant to be edible or potable for pollinators in this flowerhead is ideally offered slightly later. This is when the pollen presenters slip out and their styles straighten (Manning, 2007; Rebelo, 1995; Rourke, 1980; iNaturalist; http://pza.sanbi.org).