Melianthus major leaves

Young Melianthus major leaflets are shorter at the base, longest by about the third or fourth pair and progressively shorter to the leaf tip, rendering the overall leaf a smoothly ovate shape.

The opposite leaflet pairs are about equal, but the blade halves of each leaflet separated by the midrib are unequal. The saw-toothed margins curve in from the leaflet midribs, prominent on the lower surfaces.

Leaves of plants in the Melianthaceae family are both alternate in stem position and imparipinnate, i.e. there is always a terminal leaflet, thus an unequal number of leaflets per leaf.

The rachis is winged between leaflet pairs, its wings toothed and curved out, widest above halfway between leaflet pairs or widening to the upper pair.

Young leaves are yellow-green or greener than the glaucous mature leaves. All leaves are pale coloured, the surface bloom setting in gradually (Manning, 2007; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist).