Long-stalk Spiderhead

Serruria elongata (P.J.Bergius) R.Br.

Serruria elongata (P.J.Bergius) R.Br., commonly known as Long-stalk Spiderhead, is a member of the Proteaceae family. It is an erect, hairless shrub reaching 1–1½ m in height, with alternate, finely divided leaves and needle-like segments. The plant features a 30 cm long inflorescence stalk bearing several loosely arranged heads of pin-like, densely silvery-haired flower buds. Each bud opens into four curled, magenta pink corolla lobes. This species is endemic to the southern Western Cape province of South Africa and flowers between June and September.

Description

Serruria elongata is a shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to the southern Western Cape province of South Africa. It grows up to 1–1½ m tall and has alternate, finely divided leaves. The inflorescence stalk is up to 30 cm long and supports multiple heads of densely silvery-haired flower buds. Each flower opens into four curled, magenta pink corolla lobes. The species is endemic to its region and blooms during the southern hemisphere's winter and early spring, from June to September.