Leucospermum
ExplorePlants
Leucospermum
Leucospermum
Leucospermum, also known as pincushion protea, has round, fluffy flowers that look like little pincushions. They are very popular with bees!
Habitat: Fynbos regions
Appearance
The Leucospermum has strikingly vibrant, often orange, red, or yellow, 'pincushion' flower heads, with stiff styles protruding like pins. These unique blooms stand out against their leathery, evergreen leaves, creating a spectacular display.
KingdomPlantaePhylumStreptophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderProtealesFamilyProteaceaeGenusLeucospermum
Category
PlantsRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its 'pincushion' name comes from its unique flower heads that look like pin-filled cushions!
Some Leucospermum flowers can last for weeks, or even months, in a vase after being cut!
Their seeds have a special coating that helps ants carry them away to safe spots underground!
These plants are native to the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world's smallest but richest plant hotspots!
Special abilities
Ability
Fire Survival Power
Leucospermum can survive wildfires by protecting their seeds in cones, which only open and release seeds after the heat of a fire.
Ability
Ant Snack Delivery
Leucospermum has tasty fat-rich packets on its seeds that attract ants, which carry the seeds away to safe nests.
Ability
Drought Defender
Leucospermum can thrive in dry, nutrient-poor soils thanks to special root structures that help them find and store scarce water.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-500 cm
- Spread
- 50-400 cm
- Flower Size
- 5-15 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late winter to early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Bird
Ecological connections
pollinates
Southern Double-collared Sunbird
Cinnyris chalybeus
drinks nectar from its flowers
pollinates
Lesser Double-collared Sunbird
Nectarinia afra
visits flowers for sweet nectar
symbiotic with
Common Pugnacious Ant
Anoplolepis custodiens
disperses seeds for a food reward
pollinates
Western Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
collects pollen and nectar
Traits
Cluster Flower
Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Also known as
Pincushion Protea
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Leucospermum?
50-500 cm
How wide does Leucospermum spread?
50-400 cm
How big are the flowers on Leucospermum?
5-15 cm
When does Leucospermum bloom?
Late winter to early summer
Is Leucospermum edible?
No
Is Leucospermum toxic?
None
What is Leucospermum's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Leucospermum pollinated?
Bird
Snap Map
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