Dalbergia melanoxylon leaflets are deep green to paler and faintly yellowish, the lighter colouring noticeable upon younger leaves. The leaves are shiny on top, dull and paler green on the lower surfaces. No hairs are present upon them.

The leaflets fold in slightly along their midribs. Midribs and lateral veins are more conspicuous above than below, the lower surfaces having a smoother texture. The net-veining is clearly visible on the upper leaf surfaces, not much on the lower ones.

The youngest leaf in picture has its leaflets more opposite or subopposite than the mature ones where leaflet positions are clearly alternate.

Giraffe, kudu and impala browse these leaves (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Grant and Thomas, 2001; iSpot).