When the Codon royenii flower bud opens unevenly on one side, first contact of the whitish stamens with the outside world may suggest long teeth resenting the experience. The surrounding spines add to the fearsome aspect of the image. Imagining the sound of a growl can be regarded as normal.

The other half of the corolla lobes still cohere, something of a harelip appearing where the next split will occur.

The dark red vein lines upon the corolla lobes are prominent on the outside surface, recessed on the inside. Corolla hairiness is conspicuous upon the outside surface (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; Eliovson, 1990; iNaturalist; Wikipedia; http://pza.sanbi.org).