Brunia laevis Sunday best

A Brunia laevis globular flowerhead has been caught in a stage bearing opened florets only in its lower parts, appearing tonsure shaven. The stamens on long filaments exceed the minuscule petals by far, redefining floral effect in an unkempt manner, lacking decorum and solemnity. The other heads in the photo must be underage.

Once all the florets are open, tonsures disappear as they have done from Catholic custom. Still, the hairy-tipped leaves appear to bow their heads to the stem-tips lined up in formation, suggesting innovative ritual options. Botanical religion is currently beyond human understanding.