Pelargonium crithmifolium in flower

The better picture for learning something is not always the prettier one. When studying a plant the incidental, easily discarded photo may portray a feature missed by “better” ones.

In this Pelargonium crithmifolium photo the purple-pink stigmas of the flowers in picture disclose details of their five neatly recurving branches, erect above their floral centres. Like the outstretched hand of the diplomat on the red carpet at the base of the steps at the airport, ready to welcome the foreign diplomat, they are ready to welcome the arriving pollinator, always deserving of respect and service.

Lush white petal pageantry flaunted in this everyday festival is crowned by the purple crests on the pair of posterior petals. The photo says nothing about stamens, but no concern, they’re at the ready. Pale grey-green sepals resembling sheeps ears are close by, serving as ports for insect diners to land in comfort, while they survey the food resources amidst the curious body paint called pollen. Locally manufactured, this is freely bestowed upon visitors for carrying to more flowers, promoting the cause.