Is expiation obligatory upon one who took a few leaves from plants in Mecca, within the Haram area, for scientific research purposes, knowing the sanctity of the Holy City?

Scholars have agreed on the prohibition of cutting trees in the Haram of Mecca, except for what humans have planted or what has been exempted, such as idhkhir grass. However, they differed on the ruling of taking leaves from the prohibited trees. The Hanbalis forbid it, while the majority of scholars permit it as long as it does not harm the tree. If a person takes leaves from trees in the Haram that are not owned, there is no guarantee or expiation due upon him, although it is better to seek forgiveness and repent if there was no dire necessity for doing so. As for trees that are owned, there is no harm in taking their leaves with permission.