Dioscorea hemicrypta headgear

The multitude of thin, rambling Dioscorea hemicrypta stems growing from the top of the caudex accumulate gradually. New ones are added while the older ones may persist although dry among the young and the green. The sides of the caudex remain stemless, showing their tortoise-shell markings.

The effect reminds of feathery adornment upon a metallic headdress worn by some ancient warrior keen for action in the Trojan War.