The prostrate branches of Caputia scaposa var. scaposa become thick and exposed behind the new leaves at stem-tips only. The old stems are covered in remnants and scars of mainly discarded leaves, possibly also some failed branches and flower stem bases.

The action is reduced to the stem-tip leaf clusters or rosettes appearing healthy even on old plants that have received winter rain (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; http://pza.sanbi.org).