Abutilon austro-africanum leaves

The shape of Abutilon austro-africanum leaves is between heart-shape and oval (ovate-cordate). Elaborately lobed in rounded shapes at the base, the margins taper to an acutely pointed or rounded tip. Leaf dimensions are about 5 cm long and 3 cm wide, variable in size.

The margins are variably and irregularly toothed or scalloped, or both. But be careful about those ragged margins in picture. They seem to be eaten in a few places.

The leaf surfaces are described as canescent, meaning to have a fine grey-white covering in soft down or velvet. The surface hairs on the leaves may, however, also be sparse or almost absent. Both surfaces share the velvety appearance, the lower one paler in colour, showing the leaf venation more distinctly.

The cylindrical leaf stalk is usually shorter than the leaf blade (iSpot; JSTOR; www.kyffhauser.co.za).