Common large shrub or sometimes small tree with very large (5-15cm) thin mottled leaves with jagged edges and white underneath. New growth covered in tawny or white fuzz. Flowers small, white or cream, clustered into large conspicuous sprays. The large leaves with their white, finely hairy undersides have served a dual purpose for many, as they make excellent toilet paper, and also can be written upon (with a ballpoint pen), thus allowing one to send rather novel letters.