Euphorbia hamata female flowers at different stages

The initial colouring of the ovary that swells into the Euphorbia hamata fruit on a female plant is green and very shiny; in time it turns red. Flowers are unisexual in this Euphorbia species and the plants dioecious. This means pollen is provided per insect courier following a random flight plan from male flowers elsewhere in the vicinity, grown on a different plant or plants.

The pointed bracts around the flower remind of bonnets worn in traditional dress of some nations. Coloured style branches are still present in picture.

Narrow grey leaves, folded in and red-marginned, are present below the flowers in the photo among the stems (Frandsen, 2017; Smith, et al, 2017; Smith and Crouch, 2009; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist; http://llifle.com).