Melinis nerviglumis white with age

The inflorescence of Melinis nerviglumis changes colour with age. The original purple turns pinkish for some time before becoming white. The hairy covering of the flowers lends them a shiny appearance.

A spikelet becomes about 5 mm long, the hairs upon it 4 mm (Van Oudtshoorn, et al, 1991; iNaturalist; Wikipedia; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw; http://pza.sanbi.org).