FOTD : Wildflowers #4

Photos : Tino de Monte

Zaluzianskya affinis 
Verfblommetjie / Drumsticks

Zaluzianskya affinis is an annual herb that grows to 30 cm in height. The plant is commonly called northern purple drumsticks (or northern lilac drumsticks), differing from the southern purple (or lilac) drumsticks only insofar as its leaves are narrower and have sharply pointed tips. The leaves, particularly the upper ones, are alternate on the branched, hairy stems.

The flowers grow in dense spikes, white or pink to lilac in colour. Each flower has a long, thin corolla tube ending in five oblong petal lobes, widening and deeply notched at their tips. A yellow or orange eye or star forms the flower centre.

The flowers open in the afternoon and have a distinct honey scent at night. They received the drumsticks name from the shape of the dull to dark red buds. Flowering happens in winter and spring.

Cee’s FOTD