Hoodia gordonii little green, much grey stem

Not all Hoodia gordonii new stem-tip growth is pink or purple. Rainfall, temperature and many other factors impact on each year’s growth and flowers, adding infinitesimal uniqueness. A little green on a few stem-tips may be the sum total of whats unique accompanying the year’s flowers; in those years when there are flowers.

The series of stem bulges and constrictions tell a story of earlier seasons, the plant battered into its weathered appearance, but responding to retain its identity. These hardened pillars have done (some of) their time in a cyclic, sometimes kind and sporadically challenging environment.

They remain steadfast for many years, a tiny temple dedicated to the resilience in karoid life forms (White and Sloane, 1937; Shearing and Van Heerden, 2008; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist).