Aspalathus acuminata subsp. acuminata leaves

The trifoliolate leaves of Aspalathus acuminata subsp. acuminata grow on smaller stems in dense clusters without stipules.

The leaflets are narrowly awl-shaped or linear with pointed, blunt to rounded tips, sometimes with protruding, hair-like mucros on top. These small leaflets may be terete or angular in shape. Leaf colour is dull green to dark green, the leaflet surfaces smooth.

The specific (and subspecific) name, acuminata (Latin), corresponds to the word acuminate, indicating gradual or abrupt tapering to a narrow, sharp point. This is descriptive of the branchlets ending in spines, maybe also of the leaflet shape (Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist; www.fernkloof.org.za).