Metalasia densa new leaves

New leaves of Metalasia densa are a fresher green at the stem-tips than the older leaves below. Above the slight and gradual bulge in the leaf centre it tapers to a sharply pointed tip.

The thick, fleshy leaves twist to present some lower surfaces to the sun. The felted upper surfaces are fairly well concealed by the upturned margins and the twist at the base. This is good for photosynthesis, but why not grow the green surface on top like most species, making the twist redundant? 

Upper stems are whitish, more exposed lower down where the spaces among leaves are increased by stem elongation. Secondary leaf clusters from the axils are likely to arrive later (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Manning, 2007; iSpot).