Similarly shaped, the rosette leaves of Anacampseros telephiastrum are here markedly greener than the alternate stem leaves. The stem leaves are shorter than the ones at the base, also shorter than their own, strange, wiry stipules.

The functionality of such stipules is something to ponder when one is not a botanist. Not all the secrets of a profession are shouted from the rooftops. The body of knowledge of every profession serves to earn its members a living, divulged in instalments as is opportune.

And sometimes, just sometimes, nobody knows… yet. But don’t tell anyone!