Lampranthus sociorum old capsules

The old Lampranthus sociorum fruit capsules in picture may or may not still have seeds remaining in them.

When the capsules start off young, they bulging on top, pinkish red and fleshy. Five lines or folds show the valve margins clearly radiating from the centre. The sepal lobes gradually blacken, dry and disappear, the base of the calyx a yellowish cup holding the fruit inners until it hardens into the woody seed container.

As for all, life is about becoming over time, in accordance with a particular, genetically determined programme holding firm for the species (Smith, et al, 1998; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).