Aristea capitata inflorescence

The flowers of Aristea capitata grow in dense clusters high up on the flower stalk. A keeled spathe subtends each flower cluster; smaller ones, partly translucent below individual flowers. One inflorescence may carry several hundred individual flowers.

In the busy inflorescence in picture there are no open flowers; most buds still have to open, one by one or in small groups, thereby extending the blooming phase and increasing the probability of good seed production.

Some of the short-lived flowers have already come and gone, represented by twisted corolla remains, the blue and white tepal spirals visible among the buds (Manning, 2007; www.plantzafrica.com).