Pterocarpus rotundifolius subsp. rotundifolius leaves

The composite leaves of Pterocarpus rotundifolius subsp. rotundifolius may vary between one and ten in number of leaflet pairs, commonly three to seven. There is always a terminal leaflet as well. The leaflet shape may be ovate or elliptic, often close to a round shape and up to 15 cm long.

The specific name rotundifolius reflects the roundness of the leaflets; Pterocarpus means winged fruit. Leaflet margins are entire, often wavy with the tip rounded or notched. The leaflet stalks (petiolules) are short and thick, the petiole about 5 cm long. The leaflet surfaces are bright or dark green on top, paler below. The midribs are cream coloured, as are the lateral veins that run parallel, almost equidistant and slightly curving forward.

The trees are deciduous in late winter or spring, when the pods will persist and be useful in tree identification (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002).