Heteromorpha arborescens var. abyssinica stem

The stem of Heteromorpha arborescens var. abyssinica is covered in reddish brown, coppery or purplish brown bark that is very smooth on unbroken pieces, but peels in irregularly shaped, curled flakes. These papery curls appear waxed and tend to persist upon the stem, giving it the characteristic appearance easily recognised (Coates Palgrave, 2002).