Summary: Leucospermum praecox is a plant in the Proteaceae family.

Botanical name: Leucospermum praecox Rourke

Family: Proteaceae

Origin: South Africa

Common name: pincushion

Hardiness: -4°C

IUCN Red List: Vu (vulnerable)

Description

Leucospermum praecox is a shrub in the Proteaceae family that can grow up to 2-3 meters high and as wide. Flowers appear in late spring. Its habitat is threatened by agriculture. It grows on the Riversdale plains between the seashore and 250 meters above sea level. The fleshy part of the seeds is eaten by ants, which take them to their anthill, where they are saved from fires while the plant dies.