Selago divaricata young stems

The young, straight Selago divaricata stems are mostly branched at the base. Their pale colouring is visible where the fascicled leaves don’t manage to cover them. Most leaves are short, some older ones low down longer in picture.

Much space between the small-leaved, unbranched upper stems prevent the shrublet from casting a substantial shadow, its growth habit economical in terrain where conserving moisture is important (Williamson, 2010; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist; JSTOR).