Massonia depressa (7km N of Clanwilliam)

Massonia depressa (Matjiesfontein)

This species is readily identified by the large (6 - 10mm) cup-shaped flower tube that fills with nectar to attract the gerbils responsible for pollination. It is widespread and common through the western part of South Africa. The leaves can get quite large, probably the largest of any massonia species and they can be spotted or plain; hairs or pustules are absent. Flower colour is also variable from off-white to the darker colours depicted above.