Aspalathus forbesii leaves

The trifoliolate leaves of Aspalathus forbesii grow in whorls or scattered up the stems, ascending and slightly spaced, clustering near stem-tips.

Their leaflets are almost cylindrical, growing straight or curving, the tips pointed. Leaflets are dark to pale green, sometimes yellowish at the tips and faintly hairy.

The soft upper stems are pale cream, the lower ones woody and brown to grey, becoming leafless lower down (Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iSpot).