This species is an absolute mess. It is WILDLY variable and likely forms hybrid swarms with who knows how many other species of Petalidium–and I think takes pride in such. Clearly, Petalidium variabile holds many evolutionary secrets that a botanist will want to soon unlock.

In the photos you can see two of the many faces that Petalidium variabile assumes. Also a nice field of it. (Is Kyle looking for plants or for chameleons?)

Oh – and Petalidium variabile is everywhere. And everywhere, it is…..variable. I guess the rest of us could learn a thing or two about plasticity.

Wild collected, Namibia, Tripp et al. #836, 873, 874, 1971 (RSA-POM); Photo by Erin Tripp

Wild collected, Namibia, Tripp & Dexter #4107 (RSA-POM); Photo by Erin Tripp