Encephalartos transvenosus leaflets, seen here near the leaf bases, are lance-shaped, tapering to acutely pointed tips. Fierce-looking marginal teeth are present. Protective defence mechanisms are in place on some Encephalartos species, not all. Similar behaviour differences occur among people.

The leaflets have a dull shine upon their dark green (here to yellow-green) upper surfaces. Lower surfaces of the leaflets are slightly paler than above. There isn’t much sideways curving of the leaflets in picture, most of them appearing fairly symmetrical.

The specific name, transvenosus, means across the veins, as trans means across in Latin, venosus pertaining to veins. This name refers to the parallel leaflet veins that can be seen when a leaf of this cycad is held up against the light (Coates Palgrave, 2002; www.plantzafrica.com).