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Scientific Name | Leucadendron spissifolium (Salisb. ex Knight) I.Williams subsp. phillipsii (Hutch.) I.Williams |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | PROTEACEAE |
Synonyms | Leucadendron gnidioides Gand. & Schinz, Leucadendron phillipsii Hutch. |
Common Names | Kareedouwvlakte Spear-leaf Conebush (e) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Near Threatened B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) |
Assessment Date | 2020/04/24 |
Assessor(s) | A.G. Rebelo, H. Mtshali & L. von Staden |
Justification | This subspecies has a restricted distribution range (extent of occurrence 11 283 km²). The population is however large, occurring at more than 20 locations. There is continuing degradation of its habitat both inside and outside protected areas causing ongoing population decline. This subspecies therefore nearly meets the criteria thresholds for Vulnerable under criterion B and is listed as Near Threatened. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Eastern Cape, Western Cape |
Range | This subspecies is endemic to Tsitsikamma Mountains, Elandsberg and Van Staden's mountains, in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos, Kouga Sandstone Fynbos, Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos, South Outeniqua Sandstone Fynbos, Suurberg Quartzite Fynbos |
Description | It occurs in damp places on south-facing mountain slopes, at 180-1300 m. It is a long-lived subspecies, 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 |
| A very small proportion (15%) of this subspecies' habitat has been lost to agriculture and timber plantations in the past, and loss has ceased. However, remaining patches of fynbos, including the lower southern slopes of Kareedouw and Van Staden's Mountains are infested with unmanaged alien invasive plants, and are being continually degraded due to a lack of fire. As a serotinous resprouter it requires fire to release seeds. |
Population |
It is common occurring as many isolated patches of a few scattered plant. Less than 50% of the subpopulations are formally protected, and degradation of habitat continues due to lack of fire and alien invasive plants, causing ongoing population decline.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Leucadendron spissifolium (Salisb. ex Knight) I.Williams subsp. phillipsii (Hutch.) 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.
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Citation |
| Rebelo, A.G., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2020. Leucadendron spissifolium (Salisb. ex Knight) I.Williams subsp. phillipsii (Hutch.) I.Williams. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/29 |
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