Apatesia helianthoides flower in the face

The pale yellow to ivory Apatesia helianthoides petals are silky, numerous and free down to the base. They grow in four to five rows from the saucer-shaped base of the calyx.

Narrow in shape, the petal bases are hairy and their tips acutely pointed. The petals are delicately thin with a hint of translucence.

Newly opened petals spread, remaining open during daylight. The open flower is about 3 cm in diameter. When they close in the afternoon, incurving may be comparatively haphazard as seen here, the petal action less orderly than their initial opening.

The specific name, helianthoides, is derived from the Greek words helios meaning sun, anthos meaning flower and -oides signifying likeness, claiming resemblance between these flowers and sunflowers.

Flowering happens from late winter to after midspring. The photo was taken in August (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; Smith, et al, 1998; Eliovson, 1990; Herre, 1971; iNaturalist).