A tree is known by its fruit, and not by its leaves.

The saying advises judging a person, plan, or institution by the results it produces rather than by attractive appearances or impressive outward signs.

Fruit represents what actions actually yield; leaves represent the outward display that may attract attention. The contrast places substance and results ahead of show.

Use it when evaluating people, plans, or institutions whose presentation seems persuasive, but whose actual results provide the more reliable basis for judgment.