On close inspection the Arctotis revoluta bud is not spherical at all, its base or receptacle flat, as is its narrower tip. Apart from ample roundedness at the flat surface edges at both ends, the shape is somewhat like a conic section.

The inner rows of bracts are imbricate, rounded at their tips. They have purplish black marginal strips around green blades with some white and yellow parts, not on the innermost translucent or transparent ones.

The outer bracts are also unusual: They have curious narrow tails curving back. These protruding growths emerge from any bract part, not only from tips. Maybe they serve to interfere with ill-timed insect landings that might nibble the still drooping buds (Manning, 2007; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist; http://pza.sanbi.org).