Pelargonium trifidum flowers in several stages

Pelargonium trifidum flowers in various stages of development can be seen in this photo taken during October. The emerging buds are initially pendulous, lifting their heads gradually upon opening. This is achieved by means of stiffening in the hairy green pedicels branching from the base of the umbels where some bracts are to be seen. Behind the pedicels there are stronger peduncles holding up the whole umbel and firmly attached in leaf axils.

The long, pink and green sepals appear almost identical on buds, flowers and fruits, durable in performing their protective function around the ovary.

Pollination of this Pelargonium is done mainly by long-tongue flies (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010).