Gorteria diffusa subsp. calendulacea stem-tip leaves

The alternate leaves of Gorteria diffusa subsp. calendulacea are narrowly oblanceolate with rounded tips and tapering bases. It has no petiole to speak of, if the width and shape of the tapered base at the point of attachment are taken into account.

The leaf margins are entire and markedly rolled under. Both surfaces are hairy, the upper one dark green, the lower one whitish velvety. The midrib is sunken on the upper surface, prominent and green below.

Leaves are angled up when young at stem-tips and may curve down in their upper parts. The leaves become from 2 cm to 5 cm long (Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist).