Leucadendron galpinii E.Phillips & Hutch.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Leucadendron galpinii, commonly known as the hairless conebush, is a flowering shrub belonging to the family Proteaceae, native to Africa.

Geographic Distribution

This species is endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa, where it grows on the Riversdale plain, ranging from the De Hoop Nature Reserve to the mouth of the Gourits River.

Habitat and Soil

It is a member of the fynbos biome, and grows primarily in sandy soils at altitudes between 0 and 200 meters above sea level.

Size and Flowering Period

This shrub reaches a maximum height of 3 meters, and produces flowers between October and November.

Reproductive System and Pollination

Leucadendron galpinii is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female, and pollination occurs via insects.

Seed Storage

Seeds are held in a whorl on female plants.

Fire Response

While the adult plants themselves do not survive wildfires, the seeds do survive.

Seed Dispersal

After a wildfire, the seeds are released onto the ground, and are likely dispersed by wind.