A young Leucosidea sericea stem-tip as graceful as this might suggest something special when it comes to flowering. Such hopes are soon dashed for most when the tiny, pale green florets appear.

Belonging to an illustrious family, (L. sericea forms part of the Rosaceae or rose family), doesn’t always deliver on the promise of superiority in the category valued most by those pointing the way. Such matters sometimes focus on beauty, which is always a problematic issue to argue in a disagreement.

Regression to the mean is common in genetics, disappointing many patriarchs and matriarchs with big egos and high hopes for their offspring. The rose family, like families the world over, includes those members not pushed forward at occasions of displaying their pride. Or does every crow think its egg the whitest?

Still, the fresh, imparipinnate leaves with their curving rachises, deeply serrated margins and silky surfaces have qualities worth a photo.