Gorteria diffusa subsp. diffusa withering flowerhead

When a Gorteria diffusa subsp. diffusa flowerhead fades, its long, spreading rays fold in from the sides, hiding the orange upper surfaces while showing their purple black outsides in proper funereal style.

The orange disc in the centre still appears as if some of its florets are involved in parts of their flowering cycle.

Some well-spaced, alternate leaves are present on the reddish, prostrate stems. Dark green and narrowly oblanceolate, the leaves have their margins rolled under. The leaves have sunken midribs. Leaves, stems and involucres are all very hairy on this plant (Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist).