The leaves of Caesalpinia rostrata are twice compound. This means the leaf is firstly divided into three to six pairs of pinnae (each consisting of a rachis joining its leaflets). Secondly each pinna bears six to eleven leaflets growing opposite each other in pairs without a terminal leaflet. The leaflet base is asymmetrical, its tip rounded.

The photo was taken in June, few leaves remaining at this time on the semi-deciduous plant. Leaf petioles become 6 mm to 15 mm long (Schmidt, et al, 2002; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist; http://pza.sanbi.org).