Erythrina zeyheri colour variations

The colour variations of the flowers indicate that these are truly separate plants with different DNA, not merely outcrops of one and the same underground stem system. In the well-known and much photographed stand of these plants near the Blinkwater Mills next to the public road to Stofberg and Roossenekal, several flower and leaf variations of Erythrina zeyheri can be observed. This photo was taken during October.

The plough-breaker, common name of E. zeyheri, has much invisible bulk on a mature specimen, reaching down several meters below ground. These underground stems are rued by ploughing farmers when an expensive ploughshare encounts the hefty, invisible obstacle unexpectedly. Apart from being out of reach of fire and other dangers, the plant also accesses moisture from the depths and stores it (Coates Palgrave, 2002).