Leucospermum conocarpodendron subsp. viridum is an evergreen large shrub-like than tree-like, this species — because the plant has a single trunk and grows up to 5 m tall and 6 m across — has been given tree status. The trunk, which may reach 400 mm in diameter, has corky bark up to 50 mm thick and the mature branches have a dense covering of hairs.
The leaves are deep green and smooth when mature, although sometimes with a slightly hairy fringe on the edges. They vary in shape and the tips may be pointed or rounded with 3-10 reddish glandular teeth, 60-115 mm long and 25-50 mm wide; they are stalkless and closely packed along the branches. The flower heads are often borne in groups of 3 and each is 70-90 mm across. Each globose to ovoid flower head bears a large number of flowers closely packed together to form the 'pincushion'.
How to Grow and Care
The leaves are deep green and smooth when mature, although sometimes with a slightly hairy fringe on the edges. They vary in shape and the tips may be pointed or rounded with 3-10 reddish glandular teeth, 60-115 mm long and 25-50 mm wide; they are stalkless and closely packed along the branches. The flower heads are often borne in groups of 3 and each is 70-90 mm across. Each globose to ovoid flower head bears a large number of flowers closely packed together to form the 'pincushion'.
- Scientific name: Leucospermum conocarpodendron (L.) H.Buek subsp. viridum
- Common names: Green tree pincushion, Hairless tree pincushion, Yellow pincushion
- Synonyms:Leucadendron conocarpodendron, Protea conocarpodendron, Protea. conocapa, Leucospermum conocarpum, Protea tortuosa, Leucadendrum crassicaule, Leucospermum macowanii
- Family: Proteaceae
- Subfamily: Proteoideae
- Tribe: Leucadendreae
- Subtribe: Leucadendrinae
- Genus: Leucospermum
 |
| source pic: alchetron.com |
How to Grow and Care
In their natural habitat these members of the Proteaceae family will grow in sandy, nutrient-poor, soil with a low pH between 5 and 6. They have a general preference for dry, hot summers and cold, wet winters. But don’t allow this to put you off as they can be grown quite successfully as long as you make a few tweaks.
Soil:Although some varieties can tolerate clay soil, it is best to pay special attention to good drainage.
- Prepare the planting holes about 40cm deep.
- Mix acidic compost low in phosphates (like composted bark or a specialised fynbos soil mix) with the excavated soil before filling the hole in.
- Do not simply fill the planting hole with lots of compost as you can create a sump in which water will stand. This could cause root rot.
- Slightly raised beds aids good drainage, but remember to always plant fynbos at the same level as they were growing in their nursery containers.
- Take care not to disturb the roots when removing the plants from their nursery containers.
Water: Pincushions are quite drought tolerant, but only once well established after two years. Water immediately after planting and regularly thereafter to keep the soil damp. In most loamy garden soils watering two or three times a week in hot weather should be enough. Young plants growing in sandy soil or in pots will need water every day.
Drip irrigation with water at soil level is much better than irrigating overhead – wet leaves is just an invitation for disease.
Fertilising: Pincushions and other fynbos plants are adept at growing in poor soil with root systems which will find the nutrients they need without any help. The plants are very sensitive to fertilisers with a high phosphate or nitrogen content.
- Do not use bonemeal when planting.
- Do not use phosphates in any form.
- Do not use mushroom compost, chemical fertilisers, or any kraal manures.
Fynbos growers recommend that young plants can be fed with organic fertilisers derived
from fish emulsion or seaweed at half the normal strength to help them along.
Pruning: Proteas can be lightly pruned during the first 12 months to give a good shape and to help them establish resistance to strong winds. Mature Proteas should not be severely pruned as this may permanently damage them.
Proteas as Pot Plants
It is possible to grow the smaller varieties of Proteas in containers using a coarse well-drained native potting mix and keeping the plants in a sunny position with plenty of air circulation. Avoid over-fertilizing or letting the container dry out.
