Trachyandra bulbinifolia, a solknol

This Trachyandra bulbinifolia plant has grown a well-branched, sparse inflorescence in the sandy terrain where it lives. The flowers are positioned far apart in the big panicle like patrolling foot soldiers spreading to maximise the chance of some surviving an attack.

The photo taken at Goegap near Springbok in August of a fairly dry year, shows red and brown discolouring on leaves and stem. The small flowers are not visibly affected by hardship suffered by the plant in general. The flowers receive the plants best efforts, the objective of its existence (Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist).