Leucadendron eucalyptifolium

Leucadendron eucalyptifolium, the gum-leaved conebush, is a flower-bearing shrub belonging to the genus Leucadendron and forms part of the fynbos. The plant is native to the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape, where it occurs in the Potberg, Riversdal Plains, Langeberg, Outeniqua Mountains, Tsitsikamma Mountains, Kouga Mountains, Elandsberg, Swartberg, Waboomsberg, Warmwaterberg, Touwsberg, Rooiberg and Soetwaterberg. The shrub grows 4 m tall and bears flowers from July to October.

Leucadendron eucalyptifolium
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Leucadendron
Species:
L. eucalyptifolium
Binomial name
Leucadendron eucalyptifolium
H.Buek ex Meisn.

Fire destroys the plant but the seeds survive. The seeds are stored in a toll on the female plant and are released after a fire where they are then spread by the wind. The plant is unisexual and there are male and female plants. The activities of small beetles ensure that the plants are pollinated. The plant grows mainly in sandstone sand at altitudes of 160 – 1400 m.

The tree's national number is 81.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ Rebelo, A.G.; Mtshali, H.; von Staden, L. (2020). "Leucadendron eucalyptifolium". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T113168094A157950772. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T113168094A157950772.en. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  2. ^ "National List of Indigenous Trees in South Africa".