Barleria rotundifolia corolla tube

The corolla tube of a Barleria rotundifolia flower is much longer than its four-lobed calyx, also longer than the petal lobes. It widens slightly to the two-lipped mouth, where the five ovate to oblong petal lobes spread and curve outwards slightly.

In the photo the style with small stigma is longer than the stamens. Several butterfly species and other insects visit here to receive their edible rewards for rendering the flowers effective, although they can’t say pollination, let alone spell the word.

If it all works, seeds will be released from the dehiscent capsules by autumn (www.plantzafrica.com).