A close-up view of the bases of fresh Stangeria eriopus leaflets shows their bright, yellow-green colour. The leaflets ascend slightly from the rachis, but curve back, sickle-shaped. The leaflet margins are entire, although somewhat irregular and occasionally wavy. Leaflet margins are said to variable, sometimes serrated or lobed.

Traditionally some Zulus grow (or used to grow) this plant near the house to avert lightning (Van Wyk, et al, 1997; Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000; Coates Palgrave, 2002; Wikipedia; www.pacsoa.org.au).