Characteristics and care of Leucospermum cordifolium or Yellow Protea

Leucospermum cordifolium  also known as Yellow Protea, Pin cushion or Pin . It belongs to the Protaceae family, being native to the Cape Province in South Africa.

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Leucospermum cordifolium characteristics

Plant that reaches a height of 90 cm to 1.5 m. It is formed by woody stems that extend to form a tall and wide bush.

The leaves are suboposed, simple, ovate to lanceolate, with a crenate or lobed edge, leathery in consistency and greenish in color.

The flowers appear in groups of 2 to 3 terminal inflorescences, erect, yellow, without petals, tube-shaped calyx, rolled styles and the thickened terminal stigma that gives a pin-like appearance and, therefore, the whole simulates a pincushion. It blooms in late spring and early summer.

The fruit is a hard nut.

Leucospermum cordifolium care

It is a species  that is used in gardening outdoors thanks to its appearance, or in a pot inside.

It needs to be in full sun for it to develop better. It does not support frost.

As for the terrain, it needs a loose, acidic and well-drained soil.

Watering should be moderate in times of heat and flowering. Although it is worth mentioning that it is a drought resistant plant.

Pruning can be done to order the branches.

It is very sensitive to the fungal disease Phytophthora cinnamomeum.

It is propagated by means of seeds or cuttings.

Data

• The plants have a relatively short life and become long after about 8 years.
• The seeds are collected by ants, which they store in the ground and germinate after having suffered high temperatures.
• It is a specimen that is on the red list of South African plants as threatened by habitat loss, due to exotic plants and agriculture