Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata atypical leaves

The leaves of Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata may also be narrow as seen here. Still ovate, tapering to acutely tipped points they are approaching lanceolate. Planted at a game lodge in the east of Mpumalanga, the origin of the seed or the plant is unknown.

The leaf margins are serrated as is common though not universal. The common leaf feature of being three-veined from the base is lacking here. Lateral veins are less distinct, well-spaced, ascending and curving in, becoming invisible before they reach the margins. The leaf bases do not appear to be particularly asymmetrical in shape as one would expect for the subspecies.

This tree may be blessed with some atypical ancestral admixture; a goose from another pond, yet unknown. It should not be taken as the norm for the subspecies but may be admired nevertheless, should such urge arise (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Mannheimer and Curtis, (Eds.), 2009; iNaturalist).