Pelargonium tetragonum flower profile

This newly opened Pelargonium tetragonum flower seen from the side presents its curving main petals, the long upper pair, as one. The lower pair also manages some curvature although they are markedly shorter. The sepals are, however, dead straight and thin, barring a last-minute tip twitch in some.

The petals are smooth and creamy, performing invitational duties to passing insects. In contrast, the sepals are hairy, green and reddish, blending with bracts and non-floral parts. They look the part as the support and protective component.

Most colour is presented in P. tetragonum flowers by the purplish filaments of different lengths that curve up together, ensuring that the fluffy brown anthers are in every arriving insect’s face (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; iNaturalist).