Brunsvigia bosmaniae floral genesis

The earliest action in the annual phenomenon of Brunsvigia bosmaniae blooming is the compact budding inflorescence breaking free from the ground.

The pair of spathe bracts start off protectively, closed over the individual flower buds as the force of the lengthening peduncle rams the floral missile tip through the soil above the bulb. The fabric of the spathes appears flimsy, but the open flowers normally show no tip damage from the hammering they received during their journey from the underground.

The now still gathered buds are of similar length, spreading the share of force exerted and prevent overtaxing or damage of the individual bud in gaining their collective liberty.

From here onwards the bracts diminish in importance, the buds will lengthen and change colour while their stalks push them up and apart into the spherical umbel-shape they assume when presenting their best to the world (Duncan, et al, 2016; Manning, 2007; iNaturalist).