Prenia sladeniana or skotteloor leaves

The stalkless leaves of Prenia sladeniana grow in equal, opposite pairs that are initially attached to each other along their margins, like a purse. The young stem-tip pair then encloses and protects the beginnings of the following, decussate pair for a time. (Decussate means arranged on a stem in opposite pairs at right angles to those above and below, resulting in four rows up the stem).

The dish-like leaves are broadly ovate, almost circular ending in a slight, obtuse tip; often with a mucro, a tiny protrusion extending the tip. The succulent, thickish leaf blades are smooth, waxy and concave on the inside. The leaf margins are entire. The Afrikaans common name, skotteloor (dish ear) is descriptive, albeit unflattering.

Leaf colour varies in soft shades of grey-green, yellow-green, pink and brick-red, the margins tending to red more than the blade surfaces. The leaves are greener under conditions of ample moisture, redder in drought, for which the plant is well adapted and of which the climate of the area has much to offer (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Smith, et al, 1998; Herre, 1971; iNaturalist; http://llifle.com).