Pterygodium magnum inflorescence diversity

Pterygodium magnum normally produces a many-flowered spike. It may also produce a spike in which flowers look different for many explicable reasons. But the individual performances of photographed subjects here have more faces caught in moments resembling the flaunting of ego and sudden discomfiture than a hidden camera could capture in the dressing room for a school concert. 

Granted, these flowers are not shown from the exact same angle. Some are in profile, others at a side or height angle, the rest in full frontal view at different levels. The later developers higher up are at earlier life stages. But they're all going through the same developmental sequence and they all share the same DNA. Yet, the next one is hard to identify from comparing a few of its neighbours! Only the seeds they may produce will truly differ because of different pollen cells fathering the ovules hidden inside.

This reminds of suddenly being confronted by a plant or person known well but momentarily presenting identification difficulties. Although mental faculties of the observer may not be in question, life continually tests observers by the diversity of stimuli to be faced. The eye never has enough of seeing. And that's a good thing, for nature has so many originals to show! Looking carefully saves the brain the embarrassment of changing verdicts unnecessarily. 

For familiarity sometimes breeds low attention levels and unexpected needs to check details (Manning, 2009; Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist).