Pelargonium bowkeri white-tipped petal lobes

The brick-red Pelargonium bowkeri petal lobes in picture end white-tipped; also start off white at the other end. Individual differences make the land of the living interesting to participants of many user and observing species.

Colour and shape produce Medusa-like effects here, although the ample pollen and style at the ready in the centre ensure that appearances don’t prevent the necessary although deceiving. The colouring of the flower suggests diurnal pollination although the species is said to be night-scented.

Parts of P. bowkeri are used by people as food and in traditional medicine (Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist; https://temperate.theferns.info; www2.arnes.si).