Lanaria lanata and butterfly

The pink to mauve tepals of the young Lanaria lanata flowers embedded in their woolly panicles are narrowly oblong. They angle up and outwards around the stamens, the inner three of which on shorter filaments. The tiny anthers are shaped like arrowheads, opening by longitudinal slits to release pollen when it is ripe. The ovary is half inferior, protruding in part. The three-lobed style is exserted, tapering at its top.

The floral design ensures easy pollinator access to vital parts, the butterfly’s visit probably satisfactory to both parties.

A couple of acutely pointed stem bracts are present on the woolly stem below the inflorescence in picture (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist).