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Scientific Name | Leucadendron spissifolium (Salisb. ex Knight) I.Williams subsp. fragrans I.Williams |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | PROTEACEAE |
Common Names | Fragrant Spear-leaf Conebush (e) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Least Concern |
Assessment Date | 2019/06/18 |
Assessor(s) | A.G. Rebelo, H. Mtshali & L. von Staden |
Justification | Leucadendron spissifolium subsp. fragans has a restricted distribution range (Extent of Occurrence 12 180 km²), but the population is large and this species has no severe significant threats. It is therefore not in danger of extinction. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | It is endemic to the mountains of Western Cape Province in South Africa, where it occurs from the Langeberg to Outeniqua, and Swartberg mountains. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Kango Conglomerate Fynbos, Kouga Sandstone Fynbos, South Kammanassie Sandstone Fynbos, South Swartberg Sandstone Fynbos, North Swartberg Sandstone Fynbos, Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos, South Outeniqua Sandstone Fynbos, North Outeniqua Sandstone Fynbos, South Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos, North Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos |
Description | This subspecies occurs on summit and south-facing slopes, in sandstone soils, at 300-1900 m. It is a long-lived taxon, and survives fires by resprouting from underground boles or rootstocks. Wind-dispersed seeds are stored in fire-resistant inflorescences, and released after fires. It is dioecious, with insect-pollinated male and female flowers occurring on separate plants. |
Threats |
| Most of this taxon's habitat is protected, and there are few significant threats to the population. A very small proportion (9%) of its habitat was lost to agriculture, and timber plantations in the past, but this threat has ceased as plantations are no longer expanding. Subpopulations near plantations are potentially threatened by competition from escaped pine seedlings if these are not managed.
There is ongoing slow habitat degradation due to competition from alien invasive species, and too infrequent fire.
As a serotinous resprouter it is likely to decline and disappear in areas that are repeatedly burnt before plants reach reproductive maturity. |
Population |
This subspecies is common, occurring as hundreds of isolated patches of a few scattered plants (Rebelo, 2001).
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Population trend | Stable |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Leucadendron spissifolium (Salisb. ex Knight) I.Williams subsp. fragrans I.Williams | Least Concern | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Raimondo, D., von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. and Manyama, P.A. 2009. Red List of South African Plants. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Rebelo, T. 2001. Sasol Proteas: A field guide to the proteas of southern Africa. (2nd ed.). Fernwood Press, Vlaeberg, Cape Town.
Vlok, J. and Schutte-Vlok, A.L. 2010. Plants of the Klein Karoo. Umdaus Press, Hatfield.
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Citation |
| Rebelo, A.G., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2019. Leucadendron spissifolium (Salisb. ex Knight) I.Williams subsp. fragrans I.Williams. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/05/20 |
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