Arctotheca populifolia leaves

The alternate or spiralling stem-leaves of Arctotheca populifolia are visible in the background of the photo. The leaf base tapers into something of a petiole beside the raised lower parts of the midrib on most leaves. Some plants have distinct lobing or toothing of the lower blade parts but not here.

The gaps visible near blade tips are not notching but signs of lost parts taken by herbivores. Arctotheca is mostly a food of last resort, not commonly browsed by stock and game. What insects might eat in a particular environment is a study in itself (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Manning, 2007; Mustart, et al, 1997; iNaturalist).