Leucadendron salignum dry male cones

Leucadendron salignum has a long flowering season and grows in different soil types. It is said to have one of the biggest geographical distributions of all local Proteaceae species.

As is common with large habitat plants, there is variation in several respects across the distribution range. Concomitant plant variations are notable in leaf shape and colour, the size of the plant, as well as in the bracts around the seed and pollen cones that grow on separate plants, being a Leucadendron and dioecious.

The coloured bracts vary from yellow-green to orange-red and gave the plant its common name of geelbos (yellow bush) in Afrikaans.

Features like vigorous growth, drought and cold resistance, good response to pruning, soil and altitude adaptability have made this a popular garden and cut flower plant (www.fynboshub.co.za; www.plantzafrica.com).