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(Leucadendron linifolium)
Line-Leaf Conebush (Leucadendron linifolium)
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Peter Warren
Public Domain
Image By:
Peter Warren
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Peter Warren | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Peter Warren | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-01-29T12:39:20-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Leucadendron linifolium, commonly known as Line-Leaf Conebush, is an evergreen shrub native to the fynbos region of South Africa, where it thrives in well-drained, sandy soils and is adapted to a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers. It typically grows to a height of 2 meters (6.6 feet) and is characterized by its narrow, linear leaves and striking yellow or reddish flowers that bloom from September to October. The flowers are not true flowers but rather cone-like structures; the male cones release pollen, while the female cones hold the seeds. After fire, which is a common occurrence in its native habitat, the plant is killed, but the seeds are released from serotinous cones to germinate in the nutrient-rich ash. This adaptation to fire is a key ecological trait of many fynbos species.
Line-Leaf Conebush is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it a popular choice for water-wise gardens, rockeries, and as a specimen plant in Mediterranean climates. It requires full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it may require some protection from frost in colder regions. In cultivation, it is important to mimic its natural fire-adapted cycle by removing older plants and sowing new seeds to ensure regeneration. Potential problems include root rot if overwatered and susceptibility to fungal diseases in humid conditions. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but as with all non-native plantings, care should be taken to monitor its growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Line-Leaf Conebush is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it a popular choice for water-wise gardens, rockeries, and as a specimen plant in Mediterranean climates. It requires full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it may require some protection from frost in colder regions. In cultivation, it is important to mimic its natural fire-adapted cycle by removing older plants and sowing new seeds to ensure regeneration. Potential problems include root rot if overwatered and susceptibility to fungal diseases in humid conditions. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but as with all non-native plantings, care should be taken to monitor its growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to the fynbos region of South Africa, adapted to Mediterranean climate conditions
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Leucadendron linifolium, Leucadendron tortum, Leucadendron fusciflorum, Protea torta, Protea densa, Leucadendron longicaule, Leucadendron pruinosum, Protea fusciflora, Protea globulariifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Leucadendron linifolium (Jacq.) R.Br.