Leucadendron dregei

Leucadendron dregei, the summit conebush, is a flower-bearing shrub belonging to the genus Leucadendron and forms part of the fynbos. The plant is native to the Western Cape, South Africa.

Leucadendron dregei
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Proteales
Family:	Proteaceae
Genus:	Leucadendron
Species:	L. dregei
Binomial name
Leucadendron dregei E.Mey. ex Meisn.

Description

The shrub grows to a height of approximately 0.6 meters (2.0 feet) and blooms during the months of November to December. Although fire can destroy the plant, its seeds are able to survive. The seeds are stored in a structure on the female plant and are released during hot weather, being dispersed by the wind. The plant is unisexual with separate male and female individuals. Pollination is achieved through small insects. This species is considered rare, as it grows slowly and faces challenges in reproducing due to frequent fires.

In Afrikaans, it is known as oranjetolbos.

Distribution and habitat

The plant occurs in the Swartberg from Touwsberg to Meiringspoort. It grows mainly on southern mountain slopes at altitudes of 1,500–2,000 m (4,900–6,600 ft).

References

• Threatened Species Programme | SANBI Red List of South African Plants
• Leucadendron dregei (Summit conebush)
• Summit Conebush