Aloe cooperi inflorescence

The inflorescence of Aloe cooperi, commonly Cooper’s aloe, or Cooper’s grass aloe and in isiZulu called inqimindolo, impresses with its floral looks. The individual flowers lose their green colouring from the base as they lengthen, probably totally green initially under the pointed, pale bracts when still fully covered and erect. Nodding comes gradually, fully achieved about concurrently with the parting of tepal tips for allowing pollinators to enter.

The floral colouring of the pedicels is largely obscured by the persistent bracts that lengthwise only manage to conceal the angled-up parts on open flowers. Nodding of flowers limits access mainly to those pollinators with suitable flying skills and probably appropriate body size (Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Pooley, 1998; Reynolds, 1974; iNaturalist).