Malephora purpureo-crocea flower

The bright, purple-red flowers of Malephora purpureo-crocea grow solitary at stem-tips or from leaf axils.

The petals are narrowly oblong, pointed to rounded at the tips. The petals spread, forming a shallow bowl, about 3 cm in diameter. The yellow flower centre presents a multitude of stamens with yellow anthers, at least eight feathery styles and some nectar glands in the base.

The fruit capsules are soft when dry and light brown with eight to twelve valves on top. They are hygrochastic, meaning that they open when wet (and ripe). This releases the seeds grown and now waiting in the locules upon their respective fortunes in the dispersal event (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Smith, et al, 1998; iNaturalist).