Summary: Leucospermum formosum is a shrub in the Proteaceae family.

Botanical name: Leucospermum formosum (Andrews) Doux

Family: Proteaceae

Origin: South Africa

Common name: silver-leaf pincushion

UICN Red List: VU (Vulnerable as only 3 of 6 populations remain).

Hardiness: -6°C (We have no experience of this).

Leucospermum formosum is a tall shrub, 2 to 3 meters high, with a single trunk at the base and silvery-white leaves. Young flowering plants have one-toothed leaves, while old ones have three. Inflorescences range from yellow to orange. It grows on cool mountain slopes at altitudes of 200 to 1,000 meters. Rainfall ranges from 635 mm to 1015 mm throughout the year, and the soil is damp peaty. The seeds' elaiosome is eaten by South African ants and germinates after fire and storms. It's an endangered species: only three of six populations remain, spread over 57 km2. The causes of their disappearance are urban sprawl, the introduction of exotic plants, afforestation and flower harvesting. The species appreciates full sun.