Helichrysum moeserianum, achiever in a hurry

This young Helichrysum moeserianum plant was seen in the Biedouw Valley during September. The pointed, woolly leaves are mostly erect. Midribs show against the light that elicits different blade colours, depending on angles of presentation.

The corymbs or flat-topped, stem-tip inflorescences appear ambitious for the small plant. Since seed setting is the lifetime work of annual herbs given one season only to perform and die, many such best efforts adorn the world briefly for all eyes.