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Leucospermum R. Br.Proteaceae |
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Alternate trade names
pincushion protea, protea Species cultivated
Most commonly cultivated Leucospermum cordifolium (Knight) Fourc. (=L. nutans R. Br.) Other species L. catherinae Compton L. conocarpodendron L. L. cuneiform (Burm.) Rourke L. erubescens Rourke1 L. glabrum L. lineare R. Br. L. patersonii Phillips1 L. reflexum Buek ex Meissn. L. saxosum S. Moore1 and hybrids among these, frequently with L. cordifolium as a parent. Origin
South Africa and Zimbabwe. Brief characterization
Tough, frequently linear-oblong leaves, often with toothed apices; irregular, elongate flowers in dense solitary heads (ca 10-15 cm in diameter), from which the styles radiate like pins from a pincushion; head subtended by involucre of imbricate bracts; perianth of 4 petaloid segments, 3 have fused claws, 1 free; each of 4 perianth lobes bears a stamen; styles curved, brightly colored; pollen presenter knob-shaped or conical. Cultivar and/or species variation
Leaves of many different shapes; heads flattish to globose, with styles varying in length and degree of curvature, red to yellow. May be confused with
Countries exporting
South Africa, Zimbabwe.  |
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| Leucospermum sp.: flower
(left), perianth segment lobes bearing stamens (right) |
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| Leucospermum cordifolium
Photo: © California Cut Flower Commission |
Leucospermum catherinae
Photo: © California Cut Flower Commission |
