Delosperma litorale flower

This flower of Delosperma litorale was photographed in summer at Onrus. The dry wrinkles on the leaves, confirmed by their red colour, tell tales of summer hardship. But the white flower is lush and healthy. Note the yellow anthers at the top of the central stamen cone.

The provision made last winter in water and nutrient storage allows for drawing resources from the leaves in summer to produce the flowers; a bit like parents saving for children’s studies.

Flowering throughout spring, summer and autumn may be seen, at least in the Walker Bay area (Manning, 2007; Mustart, et al, 1997; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984).