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Scientific Name | Leucospermum vestitum (Lam.) Rourke |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | PROTEACEAE |
Synonyms | Leucospermum incisum E.Phillips |
Common Names | Bergluisie (a), Silky-hair Pincushion (e), Speldekussing (a) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Vulnerable B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) |
Assessment Date | 2020/07/25 |
Assessor(s) | A.G. Rebelo, H. Mtshali & L. von Staden |
Justification | Leucospermum vestitum has a limited distribution range, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 8333 km², and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 456-550 km². The population is severely fragmented and there is continuing decline due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation. It therefore qualifies for listing as Vulnerable under criterion B. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | This species occurs in the mountains of the Cape Floral Region, South Africa, from the Cederberg Mountains to the Breede River Valley south of Wolseley. Its former range extended to Paarl and the Cape Peninsula but these subpopulations have gone extinct. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Piketberg Sandstone Fynbos, Winterhoek Sandstone Fynbos, Cederberg Sandstone Fynbos, Olifants Sandstone Fynbos, Graafwater Sandstone Fynbos, Hawequas Sandstone Fynbos, Bokkeveld Sandstone Fynbos, Breede Shale Fynbos, Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos, Swartland Alluvium Fynbos, Breede Alluvium Fynbos |
Description | It occurs in rocky sandstone fynbos at higher altitudes and in alluvium fynbos at lower altitudes. Mature individuals are killed by fires, and only seeds survive. Seeds are released after ripening, and dispersed by ants to their underground nests, where they are protected from predation and fire. It is pollinated by birds. |
Threats |
| This species' lowland portion of its habitat has been extensively transformed by urban developments in the past, with subpopulations from Cape Town and Paarl lost in the late 1800s. Further transformation of habitat has occurred for afforestation, and agriculture, predominantly vines and cereals cultivation. The remaining populations in lowlands areas are confined to isolated fragments that continue to decline due to ongoing agriculture and inappropriate fire management. Subpopulations occurring in the mountains have been less impacted however alien invasive plants (pines and acacias) are increasing in density to such an extent that they are outcompeting this species in some parts of its range. Field observations have also noted drought-related mortality events meaning the population will continue to decline as droughts caused by climate change become more frequent. |
Population |
Leucospermum vestitum is found in small isolated subpopulations, and more than 50% of these consist of fewer than 200 plants. Therefore the population is considered severely fragmented.
Subpopulations existed in Tamboerskloof (eastern hills of Lion’s Head on the Cape Peninsula) until 1886 and at Green Point (above Menzies Estate) until the 1850s (Rourke, 1972). Although also extinct on Paarl Mountain, the remainder of its subpopulations from Tulbagh to Clanwilliam are still extant, although lowland sites are threatened.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Notes |
| Plants from lowland forms tend to be tree-like in habit, compared to the more sprawling forms at higher altitudes (Rourke, 1972). Although not formally recognized, the difference between these two forms should be investigated to determine if there is a genetic divergence. Some subpopulations appear to grade into Leucospermum tottum, and the overlap in distribution range between these two sister taxa is unparalleled in the genus. |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Leucospermum vestitum (Lam.) Rourke | NT A2c | 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.
Rourke, J.P. 1972. Taxonomic studies on Leucospermum R.Br. Journal of South African Botany Supplement 8:1-194.
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Citation |
| Rebelo, A.G., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2020. Leucospermum vestitum (Lam.) Rourke. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/12/07 |
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