Thesium euphorbioides young, leafy stem

This Hermanus veld Thesium euphorbioides plant raised a stem-tip loaded with globose, creamy yellow buds. Erect, high above its restio-filled patch of fynbos, it has every reason to be proud of its achievement so far, and what its buds still promise.

The overlapping, round-tipped leaves hiding the stem appear like a fancy waterslide at a public swimming pool where children scream as they gather speed.