Clematis villosa subsp. stanleyi floral stages

In the photo many thread-like yellow anthers of the Clematis villosa subsp. stanleyi flower spread and curve randomly around a coherent bunch of straight styles of the bisexual flower. Around them all are four slightly incurved sepals (in the absence of petals) that both shield and advertise the to be pollinated inner parts.

The short-haired stems are erect and sturdy, apart from the pedicels of the buds and flowers that allow nodding from the early stages. The old flower base from which the fruits seem to have dropped off already, has a straight pedicel, however, as the fruits are presented on an erect stalk to the wind for dispersal. This is the only flower pedicel in the photo that lacks the short bracts normally present well below the flower.

The buds start off greenish grey, developing a dull pink as opening approaches (Germishuizen and Clarke, 2003; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; Van Wyk and Malan, 1997; iNaturalist; https://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).