The alternate leaves of Codon royenii grow on long, sturdy, spined stalks that are up to 4 cm long. The leaf-shape is ovate, ovate-lanceolate to cordate or heart-shaped, the base here roundly lobed, the tip tapering to an acute point. The leaf margins may be wavy to slightly toothed and curving down.

Large on young plants and lower down on mature plants the leaves grade down in size up the longer stems. The small leaves of old plants become increasingly wedge-shaped (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; Eliovson, 1990; iNaturalist; Wikipedia; http://pza.sanbi.org).