Muraltia squarrosa spine
Author: Ivan Lätti
Photographer: Thabo Maphisa
The Muraltia squarrosa leaf-tip spine appears ominous so close to the flower, as if to instill the necessary decorum in pollinator conduct during visitations. Always extending a welcome to dine here, the reminder serves to keep the flower safe from patron excesses (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Moriarty, 1997; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).