Liparia splendens old flowerhead

These old Liparia splendens petals in picture have turned black, the pale pink and cream bracts and sepals holding their colour. Near the base of the flowerhead the petals of the earliest flowers have disappeared already, leaving only the bracts and sepals.

This stem-tip has produced small branches for its two heads each at a secondary tip close together, as well as a young leafy branch.

The fruit has a fleshy aril attachment, relished by ants. They carry the ripe fruits to their nests where the arils are eaten and the seeds suitably dispersed for new plants to grow when conditions become favourable (Privett and Lutzeyer, 2010; Manning, 2007; Mustart, et al, 1997).