Croton megalobotrys leaves

The simple, alternate leaves of Croton megalobotrys grow on hairy petioles of 2 cm to 7 cm long. The stipules at the petiole base drop off early.

The leaf-shape is broadly ovate to cordate (heart-shaped), attenuating to a slender drip-tip, while the base is rounded, flat (square) or lobed. The margins are shallowly and irregularly toothed.

The pale green to deep green blades are initially covered in stellate hairs (star-shaped from splitting), losing most or all hairs from the upper surfaces gradually. The upper surfaces may occasionally show faint shine but are usually dull. The lower surfaces are hairier and paler with two glands near the petiole.

Three to five veins emerge from the leaf base and as many pairs of lateral veins ascend from the midrib, curving in to meet the higher vein rather than the margin. Veining is prominent on the lower surface.

The leaves are large but variable in size, from 3 cm to 18 cm long and from 2 cm to 13 cm wide; usually around 8 cm by 5 cm.

Elephants favour the leaves and soft, young branches as food (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Codd, 1951; iNaturalist).