 The buds are produced in opposite pairs , ovoid ( approximately oval in shape ) and pointed , with the bud scales ( the modified leaves that enclose and protect the bud ) green , edged in dark brown and with dark brown tips , 0 @.@ 5 – 1 cm ( 0 @.@ 2 @-@ 0 @.@ 4 in ) . When the leaves are shed they leave horseshoe shaped marks called leaf scars on the stem . The leaves are opposite , large , 10 to 25 cm ( 4 to 10 in ) long and broad , palmate with 5 pointed lobes that are coarsely toothed or serrated . They have a leathery texture with thick veins protruding on the underside . They are dark green in colour with a paler underside . Some cultivars have purple @-@ tinged or yellowish leaves . The leaf stalk or petiole is 5 to 15 cm ( 2 to 6 in ) long , is often tinged red with no stipules or leaf @-@ like structures at the base . 
