About Macledium spinosum (L.) S.Ortiz
Macledium spinosum (L.) S.Ortiz is a low, compact, spreading shrub that grows to a maximum height of 50 cm. Its leaves are small, measuring 15 x 5mm, and are spiny, with a grey, velvety surface. The 20 mm wide protea-like flowerheads bloom in spring and summer, and their color ranges from white to purple. This species occurs from Worcester in the west, eastward through the Little Karoo and Overberg regions, and extends as far east as Somerset East. It is most commonly found in clay-rich, shale-derived soils within Renosterveld and Succulent Karoo vegetation types.
