Brabejum stellatifolium flowering begins

During the early stages of Brabejum stellatifolium inflorescence development, a cluster of flower spikes in bud may look like this. Ellipsoid in shape, the bracts still covering the flowers overlap tightly in imbricate fashion.

This will last while the tiny flowers develop safely out of sight, until the time comes for the flowers to force their way out and steal the show. This will happen soon enough.

The plant was seen in the Caledon Wildflower Garden during November (Coates Palgrave, 2002; www.plantzafrica.com).