Photo at Strybing Arboretum California. © 2001 David O. Gray*

Visible in the closed flowers above are ridged keels that run down the middle of each sepal. Bearing in mind the size of the flowers, I think the keels, although soft, may help maintain structural integrity & stop the flower once opened from being turned inside out by the wind, a bit like the function performed by the spokes of an umbrella. Making the flower more rigid may also enable it to move more, even in a light wind. It will then be more visible to hummingbirds. This is also why many Tacsonia have long peduncles. If you have ever tried to photograph one you will know that the flowers wll move with the tiniest gust. The long peduncles may also reduce the chances of the flowers being eaten by squirrels & other rodents. There are also curious filamentous hooks at the end of each sepal, more visible on the next picture. Perhaps like umbrella spoke ends, which protrude beyond the canopy fabric, they are the strongest way to finish the sepal but also catch the wind. They may also aid water run off. There is also an outside chance that its pollinator Ensifera ensifera uses these filaments as peripheral vision markers to zero in accurately on the floral tube.

* David O. Gray President, International Carnivorous Plant Society. 3310 East Yorba Linda Blvd. PMB # 330 Fullerton, CA 92831-1790. Membership - $25 per year worldwide. Visit www.carnivorousplants.org