Dracophilus dealbatus in habitat

Dracophilus dealbatus lives in a world far from green valleys or the lush comfort of inviting beaches. This land is harsh and lonely, inhabited by smaller, tougher things that can live on the less to eat that is available here. The challenge is to find that less, competitively, or succumb, and be eaten.

The roots of these plants face the same challenge. That is why nourishment collected is safely stored in leaves and stems, succulence being the very personal plant pantries maintained with no supermarket backup. The flowers and fruit capsules are proof of the competence of the species.

But then there are herbivores... The rooted can't get away (Smith, et al, 1998; iNaturalist; https://www.worldfloraonline.org).