Stachys aethiopica successive whorls

The Stachys aethiopica inflorescence consists of spaced whorls of sessile flowers. Flowers of the lowest whorl in picture are open, the upper two only displaying purplish sepals at this stage, ending in extremely acute-angled lobe tips. Leaf-like bracts, smaller than the leaves, grow below the flowers.

While flowering may be more profuse at the end of winter and the start of spring, this plant may also flower all year round. The photo was taken in May (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Manning, 2007; iNaturalist; http://pza.sanbi.org).