I looked up the name in 'Exotica', and the correct nomenclature is Gonatanthus Boivinii. That's about the only thing I can help you with.

I don't know either one really, but I know the one called 'Giraffe's Knees' is Gonatopus boivinii. The Gonatanthus is something else, but the references google gave me in the first few I checked were either 'premium articles' I'd have to sign up to read or in Russian. I can't answer your question about the damage to the leaves, but from discussions I've read--not from my own experience--this is a plant that if it weren't so pretty (er, interesting?) would be classified as close to a pest, so I don't think you need to worry about the leaf damage. Maybe just remove anything unsightly. Several people said every leaf would grow a new plant. Sounds like a plant I'd enjoy. I'm getting tired of biting my fingernails waiting for things to come up!

In very wet conditions new growth can damp off , don't worry as this tough plant will send up another shoot in no time .