The leaves on cotton plants are simple, but they vary greatly from species to species.
Most leaf blades are thin and papery, but there are some that are thick and leathery.
Most species have five lobes, although the actual shape may range from round to deeply cut. On the underside there are three to five main veins . Large leaves are found in alternate order and are arranged along the stem in a spiral pattern. In other words, from one leaf to the next directly above it, there are eight leaves, and the spiral passes around the stem three times.