Hermannia filifolia var. grandicalyx among rocks

This photo of Hermannia filifolia var. grandicalyx was taken in the Rooiberg at the end of May. The pendulous flowers have long, pointed calyx lobes lifted high, away from the corolla. These large, creamy-beige sepals arching so conspicuously gave the variety its name. The flower is about 1 cm in diameter. These flowers may be out of season as the normal blooming season is spring and summer after rain.

The narrow, tufted leaves are grey-green, flanked by narrow stipules. Stem colour shows much variation in the photo.

H. filifolia has colour recognised varieties. H. filifolia var. filifolia may be paler, more yellow-flowering (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; iSpot; www.plantzafrica.com).