Leucadendron thymifolium, the Malmesbury 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 thymifolium | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Leucadendron |
| Species: | L. thymifolium
|
| Binomial name | |
| Leucadendron thymifolium (Salisb. ex Knight) I.Williams
| |
Description
editThe shrub grows 2 m (6.6 ft) tall and bears flowers from August to September. Fire destroys the plant but the seeds survive. The seeds are stored in a toll on the female plant and fall to the ground, two months after the plant has flowered. The plant is unisexual and there are male and female plants. It is fertilized by insects.
In Afrikaans, it is known as Katsterttolbos.
Distribution and habitat
editThe plant occurs on the Malmesbury Plain from Noordhoek to Klipheuwel. The plant grows mainly in sand or gravel over clay at heights of 100 m (330 ft).
References
edit- ^ Rebelo, A.G.; Raimondo, D.; von Staden, L.; van der Merwe, J. (2020). "Leucadendron thymifolium". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T113170898A185571396. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T113170898A185571396.en. Retrieved 8 September 2021.