The simple leaves of the evergreen Mimusops zeyheri are alternate to unevenly sub-opposite or spirally arranged on petioles up to 3 cm long. There may be flat-lying (appressed), red-brown hairs on the young leaves.

The young blades are yellow-green or at least paler than the dark green, glossy and smooth mature ones. The lower surfaces later become paler than on top. Leaf-shape is elliptic to oblong-lanceolate with rounded, obtusely pointed or notched tips and tapering bases.

The midrib is more prominent below than on top, the ascending lateral veins sometimes visible. The leaf margins are entire and slightly thickened (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993; Codd, 1951; iNaturalist).