Trichodiadema imitans flower

The white flowers of Trichodiadema imitans grow solitary on short pedicels from stem-tips. There are no bracts below the flowers.

The corolla comprises one whorl of narrow petals above a calyx of succulent sepals. The central cone of stamens also includes some staminodes, sterile stamens lacking anthers. There are nectar glands in the flower base around the multiple stigmas. Flower diameter is about 3 cm.

Flowers open daily around mid-afternoon. Flowering happens in late spring and early summer.

The fruit capsule has five locules. The valve wings on these locules are broad, the covering membranes well-developed; both distinctive features of Trichodiadema plants in general. The seeds are pear-shaped, warty and grooved (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Smith, et al, 1998).