Question

why has the hide of the tree been called leprous

Answer 1

the back of the tree is uneven in texture and colour. Leprosy also robs the skin of the leaper of its colour and evenness. Hence the poet has a drawn a metaphorical comparison between the discolored bark of a tree and the diseased skin

Answer 2

The poem 'On Killing a Tree' was penned by Gieve Patel.

In the verses of the poem, the poet refers to the tree bark as a leprous hide.

Similar to a leper's skin, the tree's bark is wrinkled and discoloured.

While leprosy generally decays the body, a 'leprous hide' supports the tree as leaves sprout from it.