Pegolettia retrofracta old florets

    Pegolettia retrofracta old florets
    Author: Ivan Lätti
    Photographer: Thabo Maphisa

    Although this Pegolettia retrofracta flowerhead has already lost its yellow colour, the florets are still flaunting exserted styles. The two linear style branches emerging from some florets, usually spread opposite each other, are by now purplish to pale brown.

    The five short, strongly recurving corolla lobes at the top of the disc floret tubes are visible, while there is no sign of anthers any longer.

    The upper bract rows of the involucre are white, the lowest ones green. Their job is not over while the cup-shape is still intact, the fruits not being ripe yet (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist).

    Total Hits : 147