New leaf growth of Trema orientalis is paler and may be yellower than mature blades. The veining is initially more strongly sunken on the upper surfaces of the soft, young blades, creating a quilted appearance. The leaf-tips are a little more attenuated than on mature leaves. Stipules are present at the pale, velvety petiole bases in the very early leaf stage (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993).