Syncarpha gnaphaloides leaves

The leaves of Syncarpha gnaphaloides are narrow and ascending, almost cylindrical; their margins rolled up. The worm-like, white-tipped leaves have velvety surfaces and curve slightly; very similar to the straighter and longer flower stalks among them at bloom time, which is mid-spring to early summer.

Flowerheads in the photo can be seen to become progressively darker as they fade; the tops of the involucres constricting as they dry out, holding the ripening seed safe.

This specimen was photographed in Fernkloof during early November (Bean and Johns, 2005; Manning, 2007).