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)
In autumn, the leaves at the tips of the branches start to change color first.
The way light hits the base leaves and the tip leaves is different.
Standard kanji spelling for the reading うらば.
Rare variant kanji form; 末葉 is preferred.
Compound of 末 (うら, tip/end) and 葉 (は, leaf). The reading うらば is a standard rendaku form.