Leucospermum conocarpodendron subsp. viridum many stems

Leucospermum conocarpodendron subspecies viridum is seen here growing in the Kogelberg. The Afrikaans name of kreupelhout refers to the shrub-like characteristic that produces bent and gnarled stems rather than the single upright trunk of most trees.

The leaves of this subspecies are green and usually hairless or almost hairless, unlike the other one, the grey tree pincushion or subsp. conocarpodendron that has a dense layer of fine hairs permanently.

The flower-heads are round or ovoid, develop at the end of branches, singly or in groups of up to three, from August to December.

The plant was used as firewood in olden days in the various human settlements in the area. There are excellent articles on both subspecies on www.plantzafrica.com.