Dombeya rotundifolia leaves

The simple, alternate leaves of Dombeya rotundifolia must have a semblance of circularity, given the trees name. They are described as “broadly ovate to almost circular” by Coates Palgrave (2002).

The leaf tip is obtusely tapering or rounded, the base lobed. The hairy surfaces are rough, sandpaper-like and leathery. The upper surface is dark green, the lower somewhat paler with soft, long hairs.

Three to seven veins radiate from the base, the outer ones less prominent; the veins protruding on the lower surface. The margins are rolled under, slightly lobed or scalloped and irregularly toothed to entire. The petiole may be as long as 8 cm.

Younger stem-tip leaves are pale, soft and hairier than the others (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Pooley, 1993).