Arbutus: Emerging panicles

While in the garden today during a break in the the rain, I noticed the Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) begining to break dormancy. This is evident by the emerging flower panicles. I also spotted Daphne laureola doing the same.

Cheers, LPN.

 

Is that usual for the leaves to be arranged opposite, rather than alternate or spirally?

 

Looks like some on the portion shown are and some aren't. Maybe most of the rest of this specimen is alternate.

 

I had a closer look on the tree, and none of the leaves are truely opposite. I think the camera angle may have played into that illusion.

Cheers, LPN.