Shrub to about 2 m tall. Leaves in male plants to about 5 cm, in females to 7.5 cm long, narrowly oblanceolate, twisted at the base,margins hard and raised, point at tip bent back. Female flower heads about 2.3 cm wide, not hidden by the leaves.

Africa (Cape).

L. salicifolium is similar but has smaller, narrower leaves and no conspicuous basal bracts below the male flower. L. conicum is also similar but generally has a purple tinge. All 3 have 3-sided fruits.

Source: Spencer, R.; Molyneux, B.; Mathews, D. (2002). Proteaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.