Kingdom Plantae Family Proteaceae Rank Species | Order Proteales Genus Leucospermum | |
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Scientific name Leucospermum conocarpodendron Similar Leucospermum glabrum, Leucospermum, Leucospermum cordifolium, Leucospermum oleifolium, Leucospermum muirii | ||
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.
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.
