New leaves are born with a layer of white hair to protect them from insect attacks.
New leaves are tender and filled with sap. Without protection these leaves would be an easy source of food for some insects. The plant has developed a simple but effective defence mechanism. The hairs could be sticky which would prevent insects from reaching the leaves.
As the leaves grow and mature, the hairs are shed. Grown leaves are visible in the background.
Some varieties of cactus have similar protective system.
.........
3 comments:
I think you are right. For me it looks like, it is a succulent plant (a cactus) belonging to class
"CRASSULA MULTICAVA MEDIOPICTA" and the hairy structure might be called as 'Ciliate....'
Dr.Umesh, some of my posts are like "fill in the blank" and you fill them up :)
I quote (Voltaire)-Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well !....:)
Post a Comment