The simple leaves of Phylica imberbis var. imberbis spiral stalkless around the stems.

Leaf-shape is linear to lanceolate, in picture somewhat triangular with acute to blunt tips. Leaf margins are entire and rolled under. The dark green blade is glossy on top and sparsely hairy, densely white-woolly below. The midrib is sunken on the upper surface, usually visible below among the hairs (Privett and Lutzeyer, 2010; Moriarty, 1997; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).