The leaves of Xysmalobium undulatum var. undulatum are opposite and ascending on a short petiole. The shaped is lanceolate to ovate, tapering to acute tips. Leaf bases are rounded or lobed.

The blades are hairy, often wavy and twisting. Leaf colour is dark, dull green, sometimes tinged with red, the leaf texture rough to the touch.

The thick petiole continues into the prominent, creamy white midrib. Lateral veins are closely spaced, parallel with slight meandering into a marginal vein that joins them close to the margin (Van Wyk and Malan, 1997; iSpot; www.plantzafrica.com).