Cederberg Pincushion

Taxonomy
Scientific Name
Leucospermum spathulatum R.Br.
Higher Classification
Dicotyledons
Family
PROTEACEAE
Synonyms
Leucospermum cereris Compton
Common Names
Cederberg Pincushion (e)
National Status
Status and Criteria
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020/06/24
Assessor(s)
A.G. Rebelo, H. Mtshali & L. von Staden
Justification
Leucospermum spathulatum is a high altitude species endemic to the mountains of the Cape Floral Region in South Africa, it has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 1611km² and an area of occupancy of 160 km². Over 40 small subpopulations of this species are known and it is not threatened or declining at present. It is therefore assessed as Least Concern.
Distribution
Endemism
South African endemic
Provincial distribution
Western Cape
Range
This species is endemic to the mountains of Western Cape in South Africa, where it occurs from Cederberg to Koue Bokkeveld, and Kwadousberg near Worcester.
Habitat and Ecology
Major system
Terrestrial
Major habitats
Cederberg Sandstone Fynbos, South Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos, North Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos
Description
It occurs on dry rocky sandstone slopes, 800-1700 m. Mature individuals are killed by fires, and only seeds survive. Seeds are released after ripening, and dispersed by ants to their underground nests, where they are protected from predation and fire. It is pollinated by birds.
Threats
Subpopulations are generally small and isolated, but not currently threatened, although too frequent fires and alien invasive plants are a potential concern. Climate change modelling conducted in 2005 predicted severe population reductions (Bomhard et al. 2005), but no drastic reductions has been observed.
Population

Leucospermum spathulatum is encountered as isolated subpopulations with more than 40 subpopulations known. As there are no severe threats to this species, it is not suspected to be declining.


Population trend
Stable
Assessment History
Taxon assessed
Status and Criteria
Citation/Red List version
Leucospermum spathulatum R.Br.NT A3c+4cRaimondo et al. (2009)
Bibliography

Bomhard, B., Richardson, D.M., Donaldson, J.S., Hughes, G.O., Midgley, G.F., Raimondo, D.C., Rebelo, A.G., Rouget, M. and Thuiller, W. 2005. Potential impacts of future land use and climate change on the Red List status of the Proteaceae in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Global Change Biology 11(9):1452-1468.


Goldblatt, P. and Manning, J.C. 2000. Cape Plants: A conspectus of the Cape Flora of South Africa. Strelitzia 9. National Botanical Institute, Cape Town.


Manning, J.C. and Goldblatt, P. 2012. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape Flora. Strelitzia 29. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.


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.


Rourke, J.P. 1972. Taxonomic studies on Leucospermum R.Br. Journal of South African Botany Supplement 8:1-194.


Vlok, J. and Schutte-Vlok, A.L. 2010. Plants of the Klein Karoo. Umdaus Press, Hatfield.


Citation
Rebelo, A.G., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2020. Leucospermum spathulatum R.Br. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/05/12

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Distribution map


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