Leucospermum conocarpodendron
| Leucospermum conocarpodendron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| ssp. conocarpodendron | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Leucospermum |
| Species: | L. conocarpodendron |
| Binomial name | |
| Leucospermum conocarpodendron (L.) H.Buek | |
Leucospermum conocarpodendron (commonly called the tree pincushion) is the largest of the pincushion proteas (Leucospermums). Their natural habitat is the area around Cape Town, in the Western Cape, South Africa.[1][2]
There are two main subspecies, viridum and conocarpodendron:
Subspecies conocarpodendron is endangered and confined to a few spots on the granite slopes of Table Mountain. It came close to extinction when the slopes of Table Mountain were commercially planted with invasive Pine trees, however since the partial removal of these plantations it is making a slow comeback. It is distinguished by its grey leaves (caused by them being covered in velvety hair)
Subspecies viridum is classed as "Near Threatened" and has a much wider range, extending eastwards along the Cape coast. It has green, hairless leaves.
Pictures
A medium-sized specimen growing on Table Mountain.
The Tree Pincushion is well named, as it can reach a height of several meters.
A juvenile.
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Leucospermum conocarpodendron. |
External links
- Tree Pincusion - Viridum at PlantZAfrica.com
- Tree Pincusion - Conocarpodendron at PlantZAfrica.com
- Dressler, S.; Schmidt, M. & Zizka, G. (2014). [http://www.africanplants.senckenberg.de/root/index.php?submitForm=true&page_id=77&searchTextMenue=Leucospermum+conocarpodendron&filterRegionIDs[]=6&filterRegionIDs[]=1&filterRegionIDs[]=2&filterRegionIDs[]=3&filterRegionIDs[]=5 "Leucospermum conocarpodendron"]. African plants – a Photo Guide. Frankfurt/Main: Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg.