Aspalathus crenata leaves

The simple, alternate and stalkless leaves of Aspalathus crenata are oval to heart-shaped, ending in conspicuous, attenuating spiny tips. These tips brought the plant its Afrikaans name of stekeltee. The blades are leathery with seven to eleven whitish, translucent veins curving from the base to the upper parts. The margins are minutely toothed to scalloped and sometimes reddish.

The leaves are from 1 cm to 4 cm long (Manning, 2009; Bean and Johns, 2005; Burman and Bean, 1985; iNaturalist).