Encephalartos natalensis leaf

The leaves of Encephalartos natalensis are glossy deep green and large. They may become as long as 3 m (while E. longifolius has leaves of only 2 m, yet getting the name for long leaves)! The rachis is characteristically straight, not recurving or twisting in this species. The pinnae are well spaced and unlobed, usually with entire margins curving upwards in boat-shaped fashion. 

By way of individual differences characterising uncloned specimens of living things, 1 to 5 teeth are sometimes found on one or both edges of the leaflets. The leaflets are attached on the rachis at an acute angle pointing towards the tip, arranged in V-shaped fashion opposite each other. The lowermost six to twelve leaflets at the base of the leaf only develop into a couple of prickles or spines (Coates Palgrave, 2002).