'multiform-leaved' originates from Modern English, specifically the words 'multiform' and 'leaved', where 'multiform' meant 'many-shaped' (multi- + form) and 'leaved' is the adjectival form from 'leaf' meaning 'having leaves'.

'multiform' comes from Latin 'multiformis' (multi- 'many' + forma 'shape'), while 'leaved' derives from Old English 'lēaf' (leaf) that developed into Modern English 'leaf' and its adjectival/past-participial form 'leaved'; these parts were combined in English to form the compound adjective 'multiform-leaved'.

Initially the components meant 'many-shaped' (from Latin) and 'having leaves' (from Old English), and together the compound evolved into the botanical adjective meaning 'having leaves of various shapes'.