Hermannia althaeifolia stems

The young stems of Hermannia althaeifolia match the leaves in velvety hairiness. They are pale beige, becoming coarse and darker with age as they turn woodier, losing their hair.

Growing from a single stem, the plant branches much and does not resprout after fire (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; iNaturalist; iSpot).