The palmiet grows many robust woody stems covered in dark brown fibrous remains of old leaves. The leaves are long and narrow, blue-green to yellow green. Leaf rosettes on mature plants resemble elongated pineapple tops. The stiff leaves are crowded at the end of stems. 

Human skin contact with the serrated leaf edges should be avoided as they can cut and cause injury (Bean and Johns, 2005; Mustart, et al, 1997).