Dinteranthus microspermus subsp. puberulus bud opening

The flowers of Dinteranthus microspermus subsp. puberulus grow on short stems in late summer to midwinter. They open in the afternoon and close in the evening. The open flower has yellow petals with a cone of erect stamens in the centre.

The protective functionality of the thick, clasping sepal lobes on the buds in picture is clearly evident in this photo. The shiny yellow oblong petals are soon to spread (Smith, et al, 1998).