noun
end leaves; top leaves; last leaves
Refers to the leaves at the tip or end of a branch, often contrasted with 本葉 (もとは, leaves near the base). The reading うれは is less common.
See also: 本葉 (もとは)
秋になると、枝の末葉から色づき始める。
In autumn, the leaves at the tips of the branches start to change color first.
本葉と末葉では、光の当たり方が違う。
The way light hits the base leaves and the tip leaves is different.
本葉 refers to leaves near the base or main part of a branch, while 末葉 refers to leaves at the tip or end.
Compound of 末 (うら, tip/end) and 葉 (は, leaf). The reading うらば is a standard rendaku form.