Plant story
Leucadendron levisanus (Capeflats conebush)
· endemic to the western Cape area of South Africa
· endangered (global RDL 1998)
Plant in flower (Photo: P. Smith- South Africa 2001.)
Found on sandy soil and river flats in the western Cape. Flowers in October and November. The bush grows to about 2m in height. Although now endangered, it was once common on the southern Cape Flats on damp, sandy soils at 0-100m elevation. Its present day distribution is centred on the Cape Flats from Fish Hoek to Eerste River to Mamre.
The "seeds" (achenes) stay on the parent plant and are shed in response to fire, which kills the plant. The required veld fires now seldom occur on the localities where it is found. In addition it is threatened by urban development and the spread of the Australian invasive Acacia cyanophylla. It is now fast approaching extinction.
Leucadendron levisanus "seeds" (achenes)
Collected by the National Botanical Institute of South Africa and MSBP in October 2001, when only 5 plants were found and 358 seeds were collected. This species was propagated in the glasshouse at Wakehurst Place, and seven plants have survived to maturity. These have produced flowers, but no fruits. Our horticulturalists will try artificial pollination next year in order to regenerate seed.
Story by Paul Smith