Diospyros species leaves

The short-stalked leaves of this unidentified Diospyros shrub seen on the Piketberg Mountain cluster at nodes, leaving bare internodes. The leaves ascend in short spirals, mainly on small side-branches. Bare stem patches vary much in colour, reflecting their age.

The narrowly lance-shaped to oblong leaves have entire margins that taper at both ends, their tips acutely pointed. The leaves appear hairless or nearly so, the fresh green to yellow-green blades thickly fleshy. The midrib is visible, yellow and translucent against the light (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist; Wikipedia; http://redlist.sanbi.org).