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Scientific Name | Leucadendron teretifolium (Andrews) I.Williams |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | PROTEACEAE |
Synonyms | Leucadendron abietinum R.Br. |
Common Names | Needle-leaf Conebush (e) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Least Concern |
Assessment Date | 2020/07/22 |
Assessor(s) | A.G. Rebelo, H. Mtshali & L. von Staden |
Justification | Leucadendron teretifolium is endemic to the Fynbos Biome, but is relatively widespread with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 28 341 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 1576-1580 km². A total of 123 subpopulations have been recorded, many of which are large. Although 50% of its habitat has been lost to crop cultivation, this loss took place over three generations ago. While habitat loss and degradation is ongoing there are still many large subpopulations that are not declining. This species is therefore not yet in danger of extinction and qualifies for listing as Least Concern. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | Leucadendron teretifolium is endemic to the mountains of Western Cape Province of South Africa, occurring from the Witteberg and Kleinrivier mountains to Riversdale. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | North Sonderend Sandstone Fynbos, Hangklip Sand Fynbos, Agulhas Sand Fynbos, Breede Sand Fynbos, Elim Ferricrete Fynbos, Potberg Ferricrete Fynbos, Matjiesfontein Shale Fynbos, Elgin Shale Fynbos, Greyton Shale Fynbos, Montagu Shale Fynbos, Swellendam Silcrete Fynbos, Breede Quartzite Fynbos, Breede Shale Renosterveld, North Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos, South Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos, North Outeniqua Sandstone Fynbos, Ruens Silcrete Renosterveld, Western Ruens Shale Renosterveld, Central Ruens Shale Renosterveld, Eastern Ruens Shale Renosterveld, Mossel Bay Shale Renosterveld, Matjiesfontein Shale Renosterveld, Montagu Shale Renosterveld, Matjiesfontein Quartzite Fynbos |
Description | Although a fynbos species, it also occurs within the renosterveld-fynbos ecotone. Mature individuals are killed by fires, and only seeds survive. Wind-dispersed seeds are stored in fire-resistant inflorescences, and released after fires. It is dioecious, with wind-pollinated male and female flowers occurring on separate plants. |
Threats |
| About 50% of this species' habitat is already irreversibly modified, predominantly due to vineyards, fruit orchards and wheat cultivation. Habitat loss and degradation continues due to expansion of agriculture and spreading of alien invasive species (hakeas and wattles).
Field observations noted some dieback in certain subpopulations. Lack of fires due to poor management of remaining patches is likely to be the cause of these diebacks. |
Population |
This species is common, 123 subpopulations are known and it occurs in dense stands. Population decline is taking place as a result of ongoing habitat loss and degradation.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Conservation |
| This species is protected in the Anysberg Nature Reserve and Skuilkrans Private Nature Reserve. |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Leucadendron teretifolium (Andrews) I.Williams | NT B1ab(ii)+2ab(ii) | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Goldblatt, P. and Manning, J.C. 2000. Cape Plants: A conspectus of the Cape Flora of South Africa. Strelitzia 9. National Botanical Institute, Cape Town.
Manning, J.C. and Goldblatt, P. 2012. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape Flora. Strelitzia 29. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Raimondo, D., von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. and Manyama, P.A. 2009. Red List of South African Plants. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Rebelo, T. 2001. Sasol Proteas: A field guide to the proteas of southern Africa. (2nd ed.). Fernwood Press, Vlaeberg, Cape Town.
Vlok, J. and Schutte-Vlok, A.L. 2010. Plants of the Klein Karoo. Umdaus Press, Hatfield.
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Citation |
| Rebelo, A.G., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2020. Leucadendron teretifolium (Andrews) I.Williams. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/12/07 |
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