Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata flowers

The flowers of Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata are small and inconspicuous. They are yellow (at least the ovaries in the flower centres are), grown in tight axillary clusters and producing much nectar for the business associates.

Five spreading and slightly recurving petals grow around the flat and round, yellow ovary. The petals form a stubby, greenish star-shape around the disc of the ovary.

Five short, whitish stamens spread from the gaps between the petals. They curve away from the short, greenish style that is erect like a candle on the birthday cake of a one-year-old.

Flowering happens in late spring through summer. This photo was taken in January in the Magaliesberg (Coates Palgrave, 2002).