An Ecbolium glabratum leafy stem-tip of new growth has its underdeveloped leaf pairs erect, close together and decussate, i.e. each consecutive pair growing at a right angle to the previous pair.

Lemon-yellow leaf midribs and well-spaced pairs of lateral veins are visible upon the spreading leaves lower down.

Some pale, longitudinally lined, bare stems that have lost their leaves are visible in the background. The leaf nodes are well-spaced on mature stems parts, close together at stem-tips (Pooley, 1998; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iSpot).