When Erica taxifolia flowers near the end, the pale, spreading sepals assume responsibility for a last gasp colour presentation as the tired petals succumb.

The narrowing cone of the corolla ends in dark brown to nearly black petal lobes. These are the first parts to get lost when the flower goes, resembling an arty candlestick. At this stage it’s all about fruit in these parts (Baker and Oliver, 1967; www.plantzafrica.com).