Aulax umbellata female flowers

The female flowerheads of Aulax umbellata grow at stem tips surrounded by densely crowded pale yellow bracts. These bracts are erect and narrow with pointed (the inner ones) or rounded tips. The bracts form a rounded cup enveloping the creamy, flat-topped flowerhead, which is structurally umbel-shaped, giving rise to the specific name of umbellata. The bracts, more conspicuous than the actual flowers, sometimes cover the flowerhead centres.

The individual flowers in the head are stalked, growing from a central column. Insects serve as pollinators although this species does not produce nectar (Privett and Lutzeyer, 2010; Manning, 2007; www.plantzafrica.com).