Monsonia patersonii flowers and spines

Although the flowering Monsonia patersonii plant in picture has no leaves, the thick, smooth and yellow stems appear healthy. Enough juices for supporting flowering and fruiting are stored for meeting short term commitments.

The spines are soon dry after the leaves drop off. Old spines may also disappear, leaving the new growth to produce defences again (Frandsen, 2017; Smith, et al, 2017; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist).