Leucadendron seedling

A Leucadendron seedling or sapling starts off single-stemmed and erect. The main stem elongates a little or more before it branches. This one was photographed near Hermanus.

The first mature leaves of the small plant in picture are alternate with little or no petioles. The blades are narrow, grey-green and here curved lengthwise in concerted fashion, creating the appearance of spinning around the stem of the plant. Let’s call the not fully focussed presentation of the leaves in the photo the result of spinning speed! The latest, stem-tip leaves appear as if they are branching, their youthful colouring deeper green to yellower than the grey green of the lower ones. The beginner leaf-tips are a dull pinkish brown.

Whether this plant is male or female will become clear when it flowers. The cones to come will either produce many, tiny male, pollen-laden florets, or female, ovary-based ones in which fruits holding seeds will develop. 

The species may then also be easier to determine. There is a photo of a probably female Leucadendron linifolium plant in this Album with similarly twisting leaves. Maybe this plant is the same, unless some other Leucadendron species also do the twist when young, or throughout. The male L. linifolium bush has shorter leaves, maybe less twisted (Manning, 2007; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; Mustart, et al, 1997; iNaturalist; https://pza.sanbi.org).