Leucadendron verticillatum (Thunb.) Meisn.

Common Name and Taxonomy

Leucadendron verticillatum, commonly called the Klapmuts conebush, is a flowering shrub in the genus Leucadendron that is part of the fynbos biome.

Native Distribution

It is native to the Western Cape, where it grows on the Cape Flats at Hercules Pillar, Muldersvlei, and Fisantekraal.

Size and Flowering Period

The shrub reaches 2 meters in height, and it flowers between September and October.

Fire Response

The plant is killed by fires, but its seeds survive.

Seed Storage and Dispersal

Seeds are stored in a cone on female plants, and they fall to the ground after a fire occurs.

Reproduction and Pollination

This species is unisexual, with separate individual plants producing male and female flowers, and flowers are pollinated by insects.

Habitat and Altitude Range

It grows primarily on level terrain, in dry sand over clay soil, at altitudes between 130 and 150 meters.

Afrikaans Common Name

In Afrikaans, this species is called Klapmuts-tolbos.