Leucadendron xanthoconus is a species of plant in the family Proteaceae native to South Africa. The 1–2 m shrub is quite common and dominant in regions of South Africa, specifically in mountain fynbos in the south-western Cape. With the species being serotinous, it accumulates seeds into woody cones for 2-3 years, which are then released all together after burning, ultimately killing the plant. Seeds released during the inter-fire interval, which is between 10 and 20 years, do not form persistent seedbanks in the soil, making inter-fire recruitment insignificant. According to Bond and Maze, this allows for populations to consist of even aged plants dating from the previous burn.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Sickleleaf Conebush being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Leucadendron eucalyptifolium
- Leucadendron meridianum
- Leucadendron coniferum
- Leucadendron salignum
- Leucadendron salicifolium
- Leucadendron spissifolium
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Proteales
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Genus
- Leucadendron
- Species
- Leucadendron xanthoconus
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