Kigelia africana leaves, above and below

When upper and lower leaflet surfaces of Kigelia africana are compared, the prominence of the veining on the lower surfaces is contrasted against the sunken position of midrib and lateral veins on the upper surface. The lower surface is also paler and dull, lacking the gloss present on top. Up close, the net-veining is sometimes conspicuous as here, creamy like the larger veins and more distinct on the upper surface.

The leaf margins are slightly cream coloured as well, some of the serrations ending in tiny protruding tips or mucros (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993).