The stem-tips of Ficus ilicina are green, leaves alternating close together up it. There is a ring around the stem at each node on the young surface, extending from the base of the petiole (leaf stalk).

The petioles are thick, cream-coloured and hairless, becoming from 5 mm to 15 mm long. There is a marked reduction in petiole thickness (and sometimes an angular change of direction) at the point where the leaf blade is met.

Lateral veins show creamy translucence against sunlight (Mannheimer and Curtis, (Eds.), 2009; Coates Palgrave, 2002; iNaturalist).