Brachystelma gerrardii flower seen from the back

This view, from the back of a Brachystelma gerrardii flower, shows the pale yellow-green outside surfaces of the corolla lobes that are black on top, the inside surfaces. The lobes are split to about the base, like five separate petals. They are ovate in shape, tapering to acutely pointed tips.

The flower stalk is fleshy, purple spotted and hairy. Narrow sepals protrude backwards like raised spider legs (iSpot; JSTOR; www.redlist.sanbi.org).