Contrast in leaf surfaces of Gossypium herbaceum subsp. africanum is accentuated when a lower surface is seen from below. The dull grey-green colouring brought about by the prevailing light on the bush is gone from the lower surface, turned deep green with creamy translucence in its veins.

Spots, hairs and colour variations characterise the visible stem and leaf petioles. The lobing of the leaf base is deep (Pooley, 1998; Onderstall, 1996; Letty, 1962; iSpot; Mannheimer and Curtis, (Eds), 2009; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000).