Leaves at a non-flowering Protea glabra stem-tip curve in from their short red petioles to erect positions. The mature, pale grey to yellow-green leaves have faint red margins and thickish blades. The leathery leaf surfaces are glabrous and faintly uneven. The midrib may be prominent upon the inner surface.

Curious dark, bract-like growths are present next to the upper leaf petioles in picture. The leaf tips have notable blackish pointed tips on otherwise rounded surfaces (Rourke, 1980; Manning, 2007; Coates Palgrave, 2002; iNaturalist).