Trachyandra divaricata

Several Trachyandra divaricata tubers have contributed leaves and panicles of flowers in close proximity to each other on this dune. They do their bit towards stabilising the sand, providing sheltered spots for seeds of different species to germinate.

By October, the time of the photo, the flowers were gone; the reddish brown fruit capsules and stalks contrast well against the green foliage on the sand. These robust plants are clearly thriving in their exposed location that will get hot, dry and windy through the approaching summer. Winter rain and cold will later bring balance into the growth cycle again, allowing the plants to perform all the functions required of them in season for living on the beachfront.