Delosperma carolinense spent flower

Early on in fruit development the petals of the old Delosperma carolinense flower still cover the upper surface of the fruit inside the ring formed by the ageing sepals.

The sepal tips in picture show wear and tear, similar to the discoloured leaf tips, although leaf and sepal life cycles differ as they perform different functions for the plant.

Prettiest when the petals are young and spreading, every phase in the plant’s phenology or changes in performing the natural processes, is vital (Smith, et al, 1998; iNaturalist).