Brunsvigia pulchra, numerous florets

The inflorescence of Brunsvigia pulchra comprises thirty to seventy deeply rose-pink flowers with upright pedicels. While the Brunsvigia genus is known for flowers that radiate outwards upon opening, this species has the pedicels clumped together, pointing upwards during the flowering phase in a compact, brush-like inflorescence.

In this species the tepals of each flower are arranged in a radially symmetric funnel, unlike the flowers of some other brunsvigias that have open, lax heads. Once the flowers wither, the individual flower stalks, the pedicels lengthen and radiate in umbel fashion.

This plant was observed in April in the Namaqualand habitat that at first glance appears to be inadequate for producing such beauty: This land has acquired worldwide fame for especially its spring flowers.

B. pulchra, however, produces its fine flowers at the end of the dry summer season when not so much else is to be seen flowering in the region (www.plantzafrica.com; www.pacificbulbsociety.org).