The leaves of young Pappea capensis trees, the saplings, as well as leaves on coppice shoots have serrated margins, differing markedly from those on mature trees. The serrated leaves are usually notably bigger than those of mature trees.

The particular outline of these serrated margins often simplify tree identification (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993; iNaturalist).