Zaluzianskya affinis corolla umbrellas over the leaves

The flowers of Zaluzianskya affinis have deep to dull yellow centres around their mouths, sometimes pale brown, becoming dull red-purple on old flowers. The central colouring extends a small spike into each of the five corolla lobes, bringing about a star-shape in the raised flower centre.

The rest of the spreading to slightly reflexed corolla is usually white, occasionally mauve in pale shades. The laterally spreading lobe tips outside the deep central notch have sinuate or wiggly margins on the plant in picture.

The two anthers are visible in the mouth, slightly exserted.

Flowering this well raises the question about the green leaves shielded from the sun and the effects upon photosynthesis. They clearly receive enough sunlight throught the gaps for fruiting and seed setting, as these plants thrive in their exposed lives on and in the sand.

Long term provisioning is not an issue for annual herbs. Soon the survival duties of the species will be taken over by the seeds lying in wait for next seasons rain. And maybe reduction in exposure of the leaves to the blazing sun reduces moisture loss, benefiting the plant (Grenier, 2019; Manning, 2009; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Manning and Goldblatt, 1997; iNaturalist).