Ursinia calenduliflora flowerheads and leaves

    Ursinia calenduliflora flowerheads and leaves

    The leaves of Ursinia calenduliflora are deeply lobed or divided into narrow segments. About six to nine pairs of segments ascend, spaced along a sturdy rachis or midrib in a lace-like oblong to ovate leaf shape. Leaves become about 5 cm long.

    Flowerheads grow solitary on long, slender peduncles, erect above the leaves. The involucral bracts holding the flowerhead in their shallow green cup are free in a few rows, all with papery extensions at the tips. The inner, largest row of bracts has also the biggest of these rounded, translucent appendages.

    The flowerhead comprises a yellow disc around which one whorl of ray florets spreads. The rays are orange, usually with a dark purple patch at the base of each. Flowerhead diameter is variable around 3,5 cm.

    The seed has a pappus of five scales (Manning, 2009; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Eliovson, 1990; iNaturalist).