def to_string_short(self):
        """
        see also :meth:`to_string`

        :return: a shorter abreviated string reprentation of the parameter
        """
        if hasattr(self, 'constrained_by') and len(self.constrained_by) > 0:
            return "* {:>30}: {}".format(self.uniquetwig_trunc, self.get_quantity() if hasattr(self, 'quantity') else self.get_value())
        else:
            return "{:>32}: {}".format(self.uniquetwig_trunc, self.get_quantity() if hasattr(self, 'quantity') else self.get_value())