Gloriosa superba bud pointing up

When the Gloriosa superba bud is still small and light, its pedicel presents it facing up. The bud shows gaps near its base where the claw parts of the tepals are narrow and strong, prepared for holding the broader upper parts steady. These claws are also responsible for the curving to come when they become coloured florally.

The tapering and attenuating leaf tips around the bud are curled in tightly. They will grab foreign objects positioned near enough for long enough wherever possible. This to satisfy the plant’s climbing tendencies. Central leaf folds on the upper surfaces of the leaves are showing in some cases (Manning, 2009; Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist).