Paranomus reflexus leaf contrast

The leaves of Paranomus reflexus are dimorphic, meaning that there are two forms of them, rather spectacularly different. The photo shows this dramatic contrast between the plant’s narrowly dissected and broad blade leaves. Both kinds at least have red tips in the photo.

The generic name, Paranomus, is formed from the Greek words, para, meaning beyond or contrary to and nomos meaning custom or law. Its unusual leaves landed the plant this name.

The specific name reflexus comes from the Latin reflecto meaning to bend back, referring to the way the flowers bend downwards as they open.

This winter flowering shrub from the Eastern Cape deserves an opportunity in more gardens where fynbos plants might thrive and are valued (Matthews and Carter, 1993; Eliovson, 1983; www.plantzafrica.com).