The leaves of Protea cynaroides are hairless, cartilaginous and leathery. The leaf blade is oval, round or elliptic, also varying in size.
Rourke (1980) gives detailed information on the geographic distribution of the different leaf and flower forms. The leaves are alternate or scattered along the stems.
The leaf margin is entire with a pale yellow or reddish ridge along its length. The leaves are variably wavy. Leaf colour varies from dull green, dark green to yellowish green on younger growth, with variable or minimal shine.
The midrib and lateral veins are prominent and creamy white, but usually only for part of the way, after which they become obscure towards the tip or margin. The petioles are long and sturdy, green or reddish. They point outwards from the stem and upwards in a cluster past the stem tip when there is no flowerhead yet, as in this picture.