Achyranthemum paniculatum enjoying spring

Flourishing among rocks near Hermanus late in spring, these Achyranthemum paniculatum shrublets show many erect stems, most of them reaching roughly the same height. Branching has mainly occurred low down here, the plants single-stemmed from the base. Such plants have to take their chances after fire, regrowing from seeds.

The stems are leafy right up to the clusters of stalked flowerheads at the stem-tips. The linear, often curved leaves end abruptly in short, sharp points. The white, bract-covered sewejaartjie heads open to reveal the flat, protruding discs of many yellow florets. As the florets age, they turn brown. Buds, young flowers and old flowers morphing into fruit are all represented in the photo (Euston-Brown and Kruger, 2023; Manning, 2009; iNaturalist).