Sandveld Pincushion
(Leucospermum rodolentum)
Sandveld Pincushion (Leucospermum rodolentum)
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Jeremy Gilmore
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jeremy Gilmore
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jeremy Gilmore | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jeremy Gilmore | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-12-20T05:15:43-08:00 |














Estimated Native Range
Summary
Leucospermum rodolentum, commonly known as Sandveld Pincushion, is an evergreen shrub native to the fynbos region, specifically on sandy slopes and flats in the Western Cape of South Africa. This member of the Proteaceae family typically grows to a height of up to 3.0 meters, with a similar spread, and is characterized by its felty grey, elliptic to wedge-shaped leaves that measure 4–6½ cm (1.8–2.6 in) in length and ¾–1½ cm wide. The Sandveld Pincushion is particularly noted for its very sweetly scented, globe-shaped, bright yellow flower heads that are 3–3½ cm (1.2–1.4 in) wide. These flowers, which are either seated or on a very short stalk of ½ cm, are grouped with two to four together and bloom from August to November, attracting a variety of pollinators.
The Sandveld Pincushion is valued for its striking flowers and is used in cultivation for ornamental purposes, including in rockeries, native gardens, and as a feature plant in dry landscapes. It thrives in full sun and requires low to medium amounts of water, making it suitable for water-wise gardening. The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soils and is adapted to the nutrient-poor conditions typical of its native fynbos habitat. While it is relatively easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is also prone to fungal diseases and infestations by pests such as aphids. Gardeners should be aware that Leucospermum species can be difficult to propagate and may require specific techniques such as smoke treatment for seed germination.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Sandveld Pincushion is valued for its striking flowers and is used in cultivation for ornamental purposes, including in rockeries, native gardens, and as a feature plant in dry landscapes. It thrives in full sun and requires low to medium amounts of water, making it suitable for water-wise gardening. The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soils and is adapted to the nutrient-poor conditions typical of its native fynbos habitat. While it is relatively easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is also prone to fungal diseases and infestations by pests such as aphids. Gardeners should be aware that Leucospermum species can be difficult to propagate and may require specific techniques such as smoke treatment for seed germination.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 7-10 feet
- Width: 9-13 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Fynbos region, sandy slopes and flats in the Western Cape of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Sandluisie, Sandveldluisiesbos
Scientific Names: , Leucospermum rodolentum, Leucospermum candicans, Leucadendron rodolentum, Protea candicans,
GBIF Accepted Name: Leucospermum rodolentum (Salisb. ex Knight) Rourke