Agathosma betulina leaves

The broad, short-stalked leaves of Agathosma betulina, the round leaf buchu, are aromatic, growing opposite and decussate on the stems. Crush some leaves and the aroma is enhanced.

The leaf-shape is ovate, tapering to a bluntly pointed tip. The leaf tends to curve down towards its tip. The midrib and a couple of incurving lateral veins starting in the lower half of the dark green to dull green blade may be visible on older leaves. The leaf margins are minutely toothed.

The leaf texture is leathery and smooth, hairless. The leaves are paler on their lower surfaces where the oil glands are visible. Leaves usually become 1 cm to 2 cm long and about half as wide (Manning, 2007; iNaturalist; http://pza.sanbi.org).