Rhigozum obovatum flower

The eye-catching yellow flower of Rhigozum obovatum has five broadly obovate petal lobes. They spread above the central indentation of the corolla cup and are separate nearly to the mouth of the flower, the rim of the cup. These slightly outsize lobes have rounded, wavy margins and uneven surfaces that are faintly hairy.

The stamens spread from the base against the cup wall, leaving the centre to the style. The filaments are just long enough to present the anthers above the corolla mouth. Brown lines are visible inside the cup of this flower, running down into the corolla centre, but not outside the cup.

The nectary is thick and saucer-shaped in the flower base. The ovoid ovary has two locules (Coates Palgrave, 2002; www.plantzafrica.com).