Protea cynaroides leaves

The leaves of Protea cynaroides are alternate or scattered along the stems. The shape is oval, round or elliptic and hairless, cartilaginous and leathery in texture. Leaf colour varies from dull green, dark green to yellowish green on younger growth, with variable or minimal shine. The blades are variably wavy and varying in size, from 12 cm to 30 cm long and from 2 cm to 13 cm wide. 

The midribs and lateral veins are prominent and creamy white, but usually only for part of the way, after which they become obscure towards the tips or margins. The leaf margins are entire with pale yellow or reddish ridges along their length.

The petioles or stalks are long, from 4 cm to 18 cm long. This is unusual for the Protea genus. The petioles are sturdy and green or reddish. They point outwards from the stem and upwards in a cluster past the stem tips when there is no flowerhead yet, as in this picture.

Rourke gives detailed information on the geographic distribution of the different leaf (and flower) forms (Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; Rebello, 1995; Rourke, 1980; iNaturalist).