The Leucadendron linifolium stem-base may become thick on old bushes. It emerges from the ground as a single stem. Higher-up branching renders a mature bush robust and leafy, comprising numerous, erect upper branches.
The bark is pale brown-grey and fairly smooth. Conspicuous scars persist where old branches have been lost (Bean and Johns, 2005; Mustart, et al, 1997; iNaturalist; http://pza.sanbi.org).