Ruschia calcarea leaves

The paired leaves of Ruschia calcarea are triangular in cross-section. They are joined at the base where together they encircle the stem.

When no longer pressed against each other as in their early days, the leaves become sickle-shaped from curving in, rendering the toothed keels rounded. The sickle-shapes may be accentuated in leaves lacking moisture.

The few keel teeth usually occur near the tip of the leaf, not standard in shape. There is often one that is bigger and more curved down.

The scattered, dark surface dots are translucent, uneven in size and here becoming obscure from dry season wrinkling (Smith, et al, 1998; Herre, 1971; iNaturalist).