Leucadendron levisanus
PROTEACEAE

• The Critically Endangered Cape Flats conebush used to be common in seasonally wet areas of the Cape Town lowlands until urban development reduced its distribution range to just a few small populations. It is an erect, well-branched shrub than can grow to 2m in height, and is dioecious, meaning that it has separate male and female plants. The flowers, which are predominantly beetle-pollinated, form in spring and early summer, with the male flowerhead producing flowers that are sweet-smelling and bright yellow in colour and the mature female flowerheads forming cones.
• Flowering time: September-November
  In your garden: With a beautiful flowering display, this species is a great addition to a Cape Flats Sand Fynbos garden where it grows in damp, acidic, well-drained sand in full sun. It thrives when placed within a closely-growing, diverse selection of species, as the plants protect each other, binding the sandy soil and keeping the roots cool. Just be sure not to add fertiliser, as this may cause the plants to take up excess nutrients and die.
  Distribution: Endemic to the City of Cape Town, where it occurs from Mamre to the Cape Flats
  Image: © James Puttick
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