Othonna ramulosa yesterdays dry growth remains

Spiny remains of earlier growth at this Othonna ramulosa stem-tip form rigid, monumental relics of what had been achieved growth-wise before. Among humans such reminders of historical achievement are created by later generations in the form of tombstones or monuments in stone or bronze for inspiring descendants to fulfil their procreational obligations and keep their species in business.

This plant may, however, benefit from its dead parts simply as defensive features, which contribute to the same end, like the spikes on steel palisade fencing that people erect around houses.

Everyone needs the right kind of visitors, not those that eat their hosts or rob them during visitations (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).