The corolla of the Sparaxis elegans flower in picture is spread fully into a flat to recurving surface. The paired black, yellow and purple markings at the tepal bases are consistent on these flowers. So are the coiled, brown-purple anthers above the dark flower mouth, worm-like and inviting to or in the way of pollinators.

The ellipsoid buds protruding on the side show their thin, dry, membranous bracts, still present upon the tepals that appear darker coloured on the outside surface, or in the earlier flowering stage (Manning, 2009; Manning and Goldblatt, 1997; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000).