Protea cynaroides, I want to be free!

The still closed Protea cynaroides perianths in the centre show rebelling style stems below, curving out in the struggle to free their heads. The straight, velvety perianth covers on top are a pale silvery lilac, thinner to their tips where most curve down.

The struggle ends in each thread-like pollen presenter freed to curve up or straighten as it wishes. Most of the free ones in picture seem to have darkened. Look carefully, no two-headed freaks among them. Their mission may be fulfilled, pollen sent and received, the natural shrivelling up of accomplishment upon them (Manning, 2007; Rebelo, 1995; Rourke, 1980; iNaturalist).