Ziziphus zeyheriana leaves and spines

The alternate leaves of Ziziphus zeyheriana are borne nearly erectly along the thin pale young stems on similarly pale stalks. At the stalk (or petiole) base two spiny stipules are positioned, sure to hook socks or scratch ankles. One spine curves into a hook, the other straight for maximum effect from the pair; belligerence from the undersized is not unknown.

The leaf-shape is ovate with broadly tapering tip and asymmetrically tapering base; one side of it slightly rounded. Three prominent pale cream veins rise palmately from the leaf base, the central one much like a midrib with smaller lateral veins curving up from it. The upper leaf surface is shiny green, the lower one slightly paler. The margin is very finely serrate. There are sometimes one to four blackish glands on the leaf margin near the base, not seen in the photo (Van Wyk and Malan, 1997; iSpot).