Retzia capensis flowers

The flowers of Retzia capensis, the heuningblom, grow in groups of up to about five among the dense foliage at or near stem tips. The calyx at the base of the orange corolla is deeply lobed. The orange flower tube is partly hidden among the leaves. It consists of five petals that stay tightly together, retaining the closed, tubular corolla shape, about 5 cm in length. Each petal is markedly angular centrally along its length, giving the tube its angular appearance. The tube ends in a short, black or purple, hairy section before the yellow hairiness that is the tip. This tip turns white on old flowers. The flower shape with its colouring has been compared to a lit cigar.

There are five stamens. The wiry protrusion above the flower in picture with its drooping tip is the style. If it is touched by visiting birds with pollen-laden feathers from prior stops at other flowers of the same kind, the magic of new life may begin. These flowers are replete with nectar, sought by especially the vivacious orange-breasted sunbirds.

The fruit capsule that grows with seed formation is about 8 cm in length. It is dehiscent, bursting open to release just a few triangular seeds (Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; Mustart, et al, 2005; Wikipedia).