Azima tetracantha leaves

The leaves of Azima tetracantha are simple and opposite or sub-opposite, decussate on the stems, meaning that consecutive pairs are positioned at right angles to each other. The leaves have stubby petioles, about 1 mm long.

Leaf-shape is variable: ovate, elliptic, oblong or sometimes almost round. The leaf tip tapers to an acute or rounded point, plus a tiny, thread-like sharp tip, a mucro that protrudes. The base tapers or is rounded. The margins are entire, sometimes curving and turning up. The texture of the leaf blade is leathery, its colour fresh green to pale olive-green and both surfaces are often hairy. Leaf dimensions are 15 mm to 55 mm by 5 mm to 45 mm.

Browsing of the leaves causes a distinctive taste in cow’s milk (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Pooley, 1993).