Leucospermum conocarpodendron
Scientific name
Was once abundant in the area now covered by Cape Town. Check locally appropriate sub-species carefully.Sow seed in late summer to autumn (March-May). Use a well-drained medium e.g. one of two parts coarse sand to one part leaf mould and one part loam. Cover the seeds with coarse, clean sand or milled bark and keep warm and moist. Seeds need alternating cold night and warm day temperatures to initiate germination, 4-10°C to 15-20°C, typical of autumn in the Western Cape. Germination can be induced if the seeds are soaked in a 1% solution of hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours. This oxygenates the seed and softens and loosens the seed coat, which should be rubbed off. Treatment with smoke will also enhance germination. Watering the seed tray with a fungicide will also prevent fungal disease. Germination takes 1 to 2 months and the young seedlings are ready to be potted up as soon as they have developed their first set of true leaves.
Take semi-hardwood tip cuttings or heel cuttings from the current season's growth in late summer to autumn (March-May). Treat with rooting hormone and place in a well-drained medium and place under mist with a bottom heat of 24°C. Good air circulation is required to prevent fungal infection.
This table below shows how many plants we are trying to obtain for this species.
Site | Area | Quantity |
---|---|---|
Site #62 | Newlands | 5 |
Total | 5 |
Conservation status: Vulnerable
This species was selected because it has various important characteristics.
It provides medicinal value
Sensitive roots
Suitable for sandy soil
It provides food for:
Honeybees/flies
Southern double-collared sunbird
Leucospermum conocarpodendron is indigenous to: Cape Flats Sand Fynbos