Asparagus capensis zigzag stems

There is a variably noticeable zigzag pattern in the stem-shape of Asparagus capensis, here present in abrupt turns at some nodes.

This plant, growing in the Karoo near Beaufort West, has already received good rains. Apart from the flowers at stem tips, it is covered in yellow-green new growth from the same nodes as the older, bluish green cladodes or false leaves (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Manning, 2007; iSpot).