Hermannia filifolia var. grandicalyx flower

The corolla of Hermannia filifolia var. grandicalyx twists and flares like a prom dress from a bygone era. The scattered splashes of maroon won’t be missed in spring and summer against the backdrop of grey-green vegetation that dominates in this plant’s habitat.

The calyx holds back to make most of the spectacular soft tissue corolla curls. The sepals have elegantly pointed tips in more subdued colours. Grandis means both large and grand or sublime in Latin.

Two thin, bract-like leaves protrude above the base of the pedicel. It is only its small size that may make a passer-by miss this pretty flower shape.