Delosperma Cooperi, stigma and pollination

Early morning and the flower is open for business. Anthers are still arched around the stigma.

There it is.

An older flower well past its best. With anthers mostly gone the female flower is exposed.

The ovary is spilt into 5 segments.

I think ridges on the outer surface form the stigma. A kind of stuck on klingon for incoming pollen grains.

Ants are rarely first choice pollinators. These cheeky characters are irritated by a lack of their favourite jam to feed on. All food is securely stored and surfaces clear.

Ants were over these flowers like a rash the second i brought it indoors to take a few pics.

Opportunistic rather than mutualistic little nectar suckers.