Searsia incisa var. effusa leaf

The trifoliolate leaf of Searsia incisa var. effusa comprises three obovate to spathulate leaflets, the middle one notably larger than the laterals.

The leaflet tip is rounded, sometimes blunt to almost squarely truncated and occasionally notched, the base tapering. The leaflet margins are not nearly as deeply incised as those of the other variety, var. incisa. The toothed margins are rolled under, hidden from sight when viewed from above.

The glossy, dark green upper surface of the leaflet blade is quilted or wrinkled from varied bulges between the veins. The sunken midrib and the ascending, straight or slightly incurved lateral veins that may occasionally branch near the margin are most conspicuous. Secondary veins are also visible, adding to the wrinkling. The lower surface of the leaflet is white woolly, the upper one very finely and sparsely hairy.

While the leaf has a hairy petiole of 1 cm or slightly longer, the leaflets are sessile, i.e. without petiolules. The leaflet dimensions are from 1,3 cm to 4 cm long and 0,7 cm to 2 cm wide.

The plant is browsed by game and stock (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Coates Palgrave, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; iNaturalist).