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(Leucadendron tinctum)
Spicy Conebush (Leucadendron tinctum)
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Di Turner
Public Domain
Image By:
Di Turner
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Di Turner | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Di Turner | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-28T11:10:52-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Leucadendron tinctum, commonly known as Spicy Conebush, is a perennial shrub native to the fynbos biome of South Africa, specifically within the Western Cape from the Hex River Mountains to the Hottentots Holland Mountains and Langeberg. It is adapted to a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers, thriving in nutrient-poor, acidic, and well-drained sandy soils. The Spicy Conebush typically grows to a height of 1.3 meters and is known for its striking appearance when in bloom, with flowers that appear from July to August. The male and female flowers are borne on separate plants (dioecious), with the males producing small, inconspicuous flowers and the females developing showy cones that are pollinated by wind.
The Spicy Conebush is valued for its unique, cone-like inflorescences and its ability to adapt to harsh growing conditions, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping. It is often used in ornamental plantings for its interesting form and texture. The plant’s adaptation to fire, where seeds are released post-fire from serotinous cones, is a notable ecological trait. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils, tolerating low water conditions once established. However, gardeners should be aware that the Spicy Conebush may not tolerate heavy, clay soils or excessive watering, which can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Spicy Conebush is valued for its unique, cone-like inflorescences and its ability to adapt to harsh growing conditions, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping. It is often used in ornamental plantings for its interesting form and texture. The plant’s adaptation to fire, where seeds are released post-fire from serotinous cones, is a notable ecological trait. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils, tolerating low water conditions once established. However, gardeners should be aware that the Spicy Conebush may not tolerate heavy, clay soils or excessive watering, which can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, Pink, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to the fynbos biome of South Africa, specifically within the Western Cape from the Hex River Mountains to the Hottentots Holland Mountains and Langeberg
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Leucadendron tinctum, Leucadendron humifusum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Leucadendron tinctum I.Williams