From skeleton to bridal veil ..

This interesting and very delicate 'leaf' is borne by the evergreen Ruscus shrub who is a member of the Lily tribe, though totally different in appearance.

It is also known by many different names, eg: Knee Holy (because it may grow to knee height), Butchers Broom (in the olden days the branches used to be bound together and used by butchers as a broom for sweeping their blocks).

It was also used by ancient physicians for its medicinal qualities.

The 'leaves' are prickly, evergeen, and in fact not leaves! These so-called 'leaves' are in fact a extension of the stems. Underneath these leaf-like flattened stems bear small white flowers in the centre of the branchlet. ('Leaf').

Red berries will appear after the flowers have died off.

When all is said and done, the strangeness and beauty remains in the delicate veins that very much resemble a bridal veil.