Conophytum flavum subsp. flavum

The golden yellow flowers of Conophytum flavum subsp. flavum grow in a pair here, while many Conophytum flowers are solitary. Some species will produce flowers in clusters of up to three. The petals are delicate oblongs with variable, jagged tips, growing in two to three layers around the centre where an ample cluster of stamens are topped with yellow anthers. The flower measures 2 cm to 2,5 cm across.

The stamens neither protrude far, nor hide. They are quite accessible to any nectar seekers. The style has four stigmas at its top. The calyx is sturdy and fleshy with pointed lobes clasping the petals that are attached to each other at the base.

The flowers are not fragrant. They open on bright days in the morning and close before sunset. These flowers were seen in April near Springbok in Namaqualand (iSpot; www.cactus-art.biz).