Aulax umbellata

These female Aulax umbellata flowerheads were found by the roadside west of Kleinmond during March. The plant is commonly known as the broad-leaved featherbush. A plant bearing male or pollen flowers is usually not far away in the veld.

The Kogelberg behind Kleinmond forms the western boundary of the distribution area of this plant. The eastern end of the habitat lies around Still Bay. The coastal strip and medium fynbos slopes here may display these flowers from end spring and throughout summer. Some of the stem-top leaves around the flowers turn brownish purple during the blooming season (www.plantzafrica.com; Manning, 2007).