The Iga tree (Capparis Mitchellii) is seen flowering in the northern Flinders Ranges and Gammon Ranges in summer. The Iga a food source for the White Caper Butterfly larvae.
A member of the Capparaceae family, the flowers are among the largest and showiest seen in the area. Budding is profuse and staggered through the flowering season.
Stamens (male) and stigma (female) developing in the bud (magnification 20x).
A stigma emerges from an opening bud.
Petals open to a dazzling array of stamens (approximately 50mm long) with the stigma held high, holding their form for sometimes only a single day in the summer heat.
The stamens distribute pollen (magnification 20x).
The stigma receives pollen and contains ovules within an ovary, seen in cross section (magnification 20x).
Iga tree blooming in Beltana in December.
