LEUCOSPERMUM OLEIFOLIUM
Common names: Mix Pincushion (Eng.); Overbergspeldekussing (Afr.)
LITTLE PINCUSHIONS, BIG SPLASH OF COLOUR
These cute little Overberg pincushions are bursting with colour following the 2017 and 2019 fynbos fires. Lucky us to see them! They are classified as Near Threatened, partly because of competition from invasive alien plants.
Fortunately, our area has dedicated hacking groups working tirelessly to keep invasive plants under control.
DESCRIPTION & POLLINATION
The small flowerheads, about 4 cm across, begin as yellow buds and open into orange to red pincushions.
Cape sugarbirds (Promerops cafer) and several species of sunbirds pollinate the flowers. Insects attracted to the nectar provide an additional snack for these birds.
Each flowerhead produces a few large, hard seeds, which ants carry underground.
DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT
The Overberg pincushion has a restricted distribution, occurring from Gordon's Bay along Clarence Drive and eastwards beyond Kleinmond.
We have found them as close as 50 m from the high-water mark. They grow prolifically in the Kogelberg and Rooiels mountains, on Klein-Hangklip and in the Pringle Bay mountains.
FIRE AND NEW LIFE
Fynbos fires kill most of the mature plants, but after the rains, seeds germinate and a new generation emerges. Ash from the fire also returns nutrients to the soil.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Oleifolium means olive-leaved, referring to the shape of the leaves.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Near Threatened.

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