Leucadendron Flowers
Name : Leucadendron Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Leucadendron, (Leucadendron argenteum)
Leucadendron Description
Leucadendron is a genus comprising of about 80 species of flowering plants endemic to South Africa, and is found along the south and southwestern coastal mountain ranges as a prominent part of the fynbos vegetation. This genus is a member of the Proteaceae family which is perhaps one of the oldest known groups of flowering plants that date back 300 million years. The Proteaceae were first mentioned in scientific studies in early 1600s.
Common names for Leucadendron include Silver tree, Conebush, Winter Sunshine, Flametip, Yellow Star, Silver Balls and Arrow Tips.
Leucadendron are evergreen shrubs or trees that grow to a height between 1–16 m depending on the variety. Leucadendron flowers have a waxy texture, and they are actually showy modified bracts that encircle the real, cone like flowers. Leucadendron flowers are produced in dense inflorescences and are dioecious, which means that they have separate male and female plants. Leucadendron plants have spirally arranged leaves which are simple, entire, and usually green.
Leucadendron can easily be propagated from seeds sown in autumn and winter. Plant it in full sun, in preferably a well drained, sandy and acidic soil. Most Leucadendron varieties can tolerate light frosts, as well as coastal conditions. Do not add artificial fertilizers to Leucadendron as phosphates are poisonous to all members of the Protea family.
Leucadendron look great in gardens and arrangements alike. They add drama, texture and colour to their surroundings. With a relatively long vase life of 1-3 weeks, Leucadendron is an ideal filler or focal point for an arrangement. They can also be dried easily and used in dry arrangements. Display Leucadendron in a cool, shaded area to further enhance its vase life and overall effect. Leucadendron are available all year round and whatever the occasion, there’s always a wonderful Leucadendron variety that suits your theme and scheme to perfection.
Popular varieties include: Leucadendron argenteum or Silver Tree, which is a very dramatic tree form with spectacular silvery leaves that shimmer in the wind. Leucandron laureolum or Amy has deep red bracts in autumn that develop cream inners from early spring. Leucadendron Cream Delight is another cultivar with medium sized ivory white bracts that develop a pink blush when they mature in early spring. Leucadendron Fireglow has smaller burgundy red bracts and blooms from autumn to spring. Leucadendron Inca Gold is brilliant yellow with red tips and stems. Leucadendron Safari Sunset is rich burgundy red and blooms in late summer on long stems. Leucadendron Waterlily has distinctive rosette shaped bracts in red flushed yellow colouring and blooms from mid winter.
Leucadendron Meaning
The Leucadendron flower derives its name from the Greek words “leukos” meaning “white” and “dendron” meaning “tree,” referring to the silvery foliage on some species.
Leucadendron Mythology
The family Proteaceae derives its name from Proteus, the Greek sea god who had the ability to assume many forms.
