Aristea capitata in the Kogelberg

Moist sandstone slopes of the Kogelberg and the Overberg fynbos delight when stands of Aristea capitata as seen here come into flower. Geophytes like this and some watsonias bind the soil and survive the fires, while some Aristea species flower particularly profusely after fire.

Robust growers, these large plants that reach 1,5 m, the largest of the genus, announce available flowers widely for all to see. They are sure to get the attention of the worst navigators and spotters among the pollinator populations of the region (Privett and Lutzeyer, 2010).