Drosanthemum schoenlandianum leaves

The leaves of Drosanthemum schoenlandianum are opposite and equal, growing in decussate pairs (the new pair at a right angle to the previous one). The leaves are short cylinders, emerging to the side and angling up. Their tips are rounded, while they appear fused at the base.

The yellow-green leaf surfaces are evenly covered in densely packed, glistening water cells, rounded to dome-shaped. Leaves don’t last long before dropping off, leaving hairy, bare stems below the foliage clusters at stem-tips. The leaves become up to 8 mm long and 3 mm in diameter.

In picture the water cells are markedly larger on the old calyx turning into a fruit than on the leaves. Fruit stalks turn orange, old stem parts darken. White hairs are conspicuous on stems of an intermediate age in the photo (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Smith, et al, 1998; Herre, 1971; iNaturalist).