Asparagus rubicundus branch beginnings

This Asparagus rubicundus new stem and side-branches reached good size before the clusters of cladodes started shaping up.

Pale and alternate upon the stems, the early cladode growth is healthy though not yet leaf-like, supported by already well-developed thorns at branch bases (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Bean and Johns, 2005; iNaturalist).