The leaf rosette of Arctotheca calendula has lobes alternating on the sides of the rachis-like midrib of each leaf. The lobe margins here zigzag from the petiole in increasing height up to the terminal lobe that is biggest with a pointed tip.

Apart from the basal tuft of leaves in picture, a few short stems also emerge from the base, growing leaves of their own higher up. Leaf blades are dull to dark green, their stalks greyish green with a hint of purple (Manning, 2007).