Berkheya cuneata seed leaves

Berkheya cuneata is a dicot plant in which a seedling starts off in life feeding from a pair of cotyledons, seed leaves or embryonic, “baby” leaves. In picture these leaves are oval or elliptic and spineless, unlike the plant’s “proper” leaves that arrive later.

These cotyledon leaves strengthen the seedling for following up with true plant leaves that display the foliage characteristics of the species.

Where six dicot leaves are present as in the picture, three young seedlings, siblings are vying for a future under the sun.

Whether more than one of them made it to adulthood is unknown, dominant specimens often squeezing weaker ones out, or coexist with other survivors as best they can (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist; https://www.gardening4joy.com).