Xysmalobium involucratum flowers

The flowers of Xysmalobium involucratum grow in compact, many-flowered heads, up to five on one stem. The five whitish, pointed petals of the flower are reflexed, presenting the elevated corona prominently in the flower centre. The corona lobes are green as seen here, or brown, hairy on their outer surfaces only. Flower colour varies considerably as whitish green, pale creamy green, yellowish green or greenish brown and even a pinkish colour on the buds in picture may be seen. Flowers are sometimes scented, with an overly sweet smell of watermelon.

The ovoid, angular fruit follicle appears inflated. It tapers to a narrow tip, growing solitary or occasionally in pairs. The surface is smooth with minute hairs. The seeds are flat with wrinkled margins and covered in fine hairs (JSTOR; iSpot; www.plantzafrica.com).