Melinis nerviglumis white with age
Author: Ivan Lätti
Photographer: Thabo Maphisa
The inflorescence of Melinis nerviglumis changes colour with age. The original purple turns pinkish for some time before becoming white. The hairy covering of the flowers lends them a shiny appearance.
A spikelet becomes about 5 mm long, the hairs upon it 4 mm (Van Oudtshoorn, et al, 1991; iNaturalist; Wikipedia; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw; http://pza.sanbi.org).