Leucadendron dregei
Leucadendron dregei, the summit 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, South Africa.
| Leucadendron dregei | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Leucadendron |
| Species: | L. dregei |
| Binomial name | |
| Leucadendron dregei E.Mey. ex Meisn. | |
Description
The shrub mentioned grows to a height of approximately 0.6 meters (2.0 feet) and blooms during the months of November to December. Although fire can destroy the plant, its seeds are able to survive. The seeds are stored in a structure on the female plant and are released during hot weather, being dispersed by the wind. The plant is unisexual with separate male and female individuals. Pollination is achieved through small insects. This species is considered rare, as it grows slowly and faces challenges in reproducing due to frequent fires.
In Afrikaans, it is known as oranjetolbos.
Distribution and habitat
The plant occurs in the Swartberg from Touwsberg to Meiringspoort. It grows mainly on southern mountain slopes at altitudes of 1,500–2,000 m (4,900–6,600 ft).
References
- Rebelo, A.G., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2020. Leucadendron dregei. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T113167529A185567328. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T113167529A185567328.en. Downloaded on 17 August 2021.