The prostrate pale to purplish stems of the fast-growing Prenia pallens plants branch and rebranch much at the nodes. The Greek word prenes meaning prostrate was used to form the generic name of Prenia.

All the Prenia species barring P. tetragona grow prostrate, creeping branches. Old branches are partly woody and tend to remain on the plant when they dry out (Manning, 2007; Smith, et al, 1998; Manning and Goldblatt, 1996; Herre, 1971; iNaturalist).