Cephalanthus natalensis green and red floral stages

The globose Cephalanthus natalensis inflorescence clusters at stem-tips in the photo differ in age by colour and cohesion. The buds are initially closer together in their sphere, later appear more spaced, mainly through elongation.

The younger buds start off green. Redness appears in a later floral stage after the buds lengthened (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993; iNaturalist).