Leucospermum muirii - 20 Seed Pack - Indigenous Endemic Cut Flower Fynbos Protea Shrub, New

Leucospermum commonly known as Pincushions is a genus of about 50 species of flowering plants in the family Proteaceae, indigenous to South Africa and Zimbabwe, where they occupy a variety of habitats, including fynbos, scrub, forest, and mountain slopes. The majority of them occur in the winter rainfall regions of the Western Cape Province. They are evergreen shrubs or rarely small trees growing from 50cm to 5m tall and are also well suited to being used in rockeries and pots. The leaves are spirally arranged, tough and leathery, with a serrated margin. The beautiful flowers are produced in dense inflorescences, which have large numbers of prominent styles, which inspired the common name. An added attraction during flowering time is the numerous birds attracted to the plants. The genus is closely related in evolution and appearance to the Australian genus Banksia.

Leucospermum muirii commonly known as Albertinia Pincushion in English and Bloukoolhout in Afrikaans is a South African endemic species found in the Western Cape Province from Stilbaai to Gourits River mouth. A neat, attractive and lime-loving specimen of the Proteaceae family, this bushy shrub will be a delightful display in a fynbos garden. Leucospermum muirii is a perennial, bushy shrub growing up to 1.5 m tall. The plant grows from a single stem at the base with side branches bearing wedge-shaped to linear leaves. The leaves are a pale grey-green. Yellow flowers are made up of a single bud or borne in a group of up to four flowers. As the flowers mature, they turn orange. The flowering period for the Albertinia pincushion is from July to October. The plants bear nut-like seeds which are released 1 to 2 months after flowering. The bush has an average speed of growth and can live for many years under correct, well-drained conditions.