Maytenus acuminata branchlets and leaves

The young stems of Maytenus acuminata new growth are often reddish or purplish, similar to some of the young leaves, more likely seen at the top of the tree. Creamy young stem parts are also seen, the stems unarmed but may initially be four-ribbed. The soft, thin, upper stems sometimes zigzag slightly between the nodes of the simple, alternate leaves, the leaves not clustered. The young petioles may also be reddish, from 1 mm to 7 mm long.

The leaf-shape is ovate to elliptic. Most leaf tips taper to acute points, called drip-tips. Leaf bases taper, are sometimes rounded. The margins are toothed or scalloped, may be slightly rolled under. The thinly textured, hairless blades are leathery, dark green, and often glossy above while paler below. The creamy midribs are more conspicuous in the lower leaf parts. The faint lateral veins ascend straight, branching before the margins. The net-veining is slightly translucent, prominent below. The venation may be red on young leaves. The leaves contain an elastic, rubbery substance that may be observed in silky threads by cracking a leaf and pulling it apart. 

Leaf dimensions are 17 mm to 121 mm long, and 8 mm to 47 mm wide. They are widest mostly nearer the base than the tip (Venter, 2012; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Pooley, 1993; iNaturalist).