Heterorhachis aculeata stem-tip

Much spine detail is present at this young Heterorhachis aculeata stem-tip. While three upper spines may be almost equal on some leaves, much variation is observable in this dense conglomerate that is in a weird way leafy.

Colour variations from pale to dark green are in evidence, as well as some orange spine-tips, faint woolliness or hairiness and persistent dry leaves low down. Some longitudinal lines represent the seams where the rolled under leaf lobe margins meet or almost do so.

Leaf shapes include variety in underdevelopment and unexpected positioning of some spines. The density of the observed material is biggest at the stem-tip where an early flowerhead bud may be concealed (Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).