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Leucadendron is a South African endemic genus in the Protea family, Proteaceae. The genus consists of about 80 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees. They are a prominent part of the fynbos ecoregion and vegetation type. Most species are shrubs that grow up to 1 m tall, some to 2 or 3 m. A few grow into moderate-sized trees up to 16 m tall. The leaves are spirally arranged, simple, entire, and usually green, often covered with a waxy bloom, and in the case of the Silvertree, with a distinct silvery tone produced by dense, straight, silky hairs. This inspired the generic name Leucadendron, which literally means "white tree". Leucadendron blossoms make excellent cut flowers, keeping their gorgeous red, burgundy, green or yellow color for up to three weeks. In the garden they do well in rockeries and also make excellent feature plants.
Leucadendron discolor commonly known as Piketberg Conebush, Gold Flame Tips or Red Conebush in English and Rooi-tolbos in Afrikaans has been extensively used in producing hybrid plants for use as cut flowers. It has been crossed with Leucadendron salignum, Leucadendron conicum, Leucadendron laureolum and Leucadendron gandogeri, to name a few. For most of the year Leucadendron discolor is a grey-green filler, best planted towards the back of the shrubbery. During spring it comes alive with colour and adds a splash of bright yellow and red to the garden. Leucadendron discolor requires a hot, sunny position with well-drained acidic soil. Add a scoop of well decomposed compost at planting and water well for the first year. |