Leucadendron argenteum leaves

The name witteboom meaning white tree, was given to Leucadendron argenteum by the early settlers at the Cape. There were days when wittebome were planted to provide firewood. In those days it was a prominent tree of the area, growing on the Peninsula mountain slopes. Other trees were then found mainly in the kloofs and water rich ravines, while fynbos covered the flat land and slopes.

The silver tree grows quickly. With the knowledge available today, it can successfully be grown horticulturally much more widely than in its natural habitat. Gardeners that have the space, should consider planting some silver trees every few years as their normal lifespan is not much beyond 20 years. Fungal and other problems also cause some to die suddenly long before that age. Although short-lived, they do something for the garden.

The silvery sheen on the leaves in picture is caused by fine hairs on all leaf surfaces. The hairs lie flat in hot conditions, but look less silvery in cold and wet weather when they are more erect. The picture was taken in Kirstenbosch, the most important home of the silver tree today.

(See www.plantzafrica.com for a detailed account of the botany, history and ecology of the silver tree as well as for guidelines to grow this tree.)