This study aimed to explore the leaf phenotypic variation of Camellia drupifera Loureiro and provide a theoretical basis for germplasm resource improvement and new germplasm breeding. 14 C. drupifera Lour. populations from different geographical distribution regions were selected as research materials, and ten leaf phenotypic traits were determined and analyzed using multiple statistical methods. The results revealed significant phenotypic differences among populations and individuals with abundant genetic variation. The range of average coefficient of variation for the 10 traits is 14.67%~32.73%, with an overall average of 19.95% All leaf traits exhibited extremely significant correlations (P < 0.001). Specifically, leaf size traits, including leaf length, leaf width and leaf area, were positively correlated. Leaf length–width ratio showed a significantly negative correlation with leaf shape coefficient, while leaf thickness presented relatively independent phenotypic characteristics. Additionally, the leaf shape coefficient was negatively correlated with most leaf morphological traits. Cluster analysis classified the 14 populations into two distinct groups, which was highly consistent with their actual geographical distribution patterns. Environmental factor analysis indicated that latitude, mean January temperature, annual mean temperature, and extreme minimum temperature were key driving factors, exhibiting extremely highly significant, highly significant, and significant negative correlations with leaf size-related traits (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05, respectively). In contrast, longitude and annual sunshine hours had no significant effects on all leaf phenotypic traits (P > 0.05). In conclusion, C. drupifera Lour. populations possess rich leaf phenotypic variation with obvious geographical differentiation. Superior provenances from different clustered groups can be selected as high-quality breeding materials according to targeted breeding objectives, which provides valuable references for the germplasm innovation and fine variety cultivation of C. drupifera Lour.