avonia papyracea

Avonia papyracea originates from coastal sandy slopes in South Africa. It is a monocarpic species completing its life cycle within 2-3 years. Unique within its genus, it features slender branches covered with papery scales, an adaptation reducing transpiration. Slender cylindrical stems (1-2 mm diameter) covered with white diamond-shaped scales arranged longitudinally. Underlying stem color is pale green, shifting to light gray under intense sunlight.