Prepodesma orpenii flower

The flower of Prepodesma orpenii has about three whorls of yellow, oblong petals that taper towards their tips. The shorter sepals are broad and pointed. Nectar glands are arranged in a circle at the base of the central column of stamens.

This flower was seen late in April after a dry season. It is only open daily for a few hours in the afternoon. The ripe capsule with (about?) eight locules (a higrochastic fruit), opens with rain, causing the seeds to be washed out. This dispersal method results in new plants growing close to the parent plant, typically forming small colonies. When drying out the capsule closes again, maybe dispersing seeds in instalments if the first rain was little (Smith, et al, 1998; iSpot; www.llifle.com).