Dracophilus dealbatus flower

Dracophilus dealbatus flowers appear to have a simple structure, fitting the likely contingencies of the harsh environment where it performs its floral magic. A central column of white stamens leans inwards from the base, like a power station water tower before the upper part disappears under the substantial bunch of yellow, pollen laden anthers, not resembling the same kind of power station. The styles in the flower centre are hidden among the stamens but still likely to be touched by passing pollinator body parts, feet mostly.

The ring of petals curves out very slightly, not only angling away from the stamens. Some petals have rounded tips; other tip shapes vary or are even toothed. The outer skins of the five sepals around the petals in picture are white, in some cases their tips forming hoods over their inner, pale green surface tips. The sepals may be sturdy enough to keep the petals in position when insects climb all over them.

A leaf pair rises taller than the sepals around the flower, adding its own curvature to the inner ensemble of several bents. These leaves serve as outermost protective layer, should the more industrial size insect visitors drop by. But then, the natural range of life’s contingencies includes extremes that rarely happen (Smith, et al, 1998; iNaturalist; https://www.worldfloraonline.org).