Leucospermum cordifolium

Family: Proteaceae
Common names: Pin cushion Bobbejaanklou, Luisiesboom, Luisiesbos.

Leucospermum cordifolium belongs to the protea family and is indigenous to South Africa. It grows in acid, nutrient poor soils in a fairly small area in the South Western Cape, from the Kogelberg to the Soetanysberg near Bredasdorp. It is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and occurs only in the winter rainfall area with its wet winters from May to September and hot, dry summers from December to the end of February. Other genera of the protea family, which produce striking and ornamental flowers, are Leucadendron and Protea.

Cape Sugar Bird on Leucospermum cordifoliumAn added attraction during flowering time are the numerous birds found near the plants. In the early hours of the morning the abundant nectar flow attracts a variety of small insects, which in turn attract the Cape Sugar bird and three species of Sunbird. These insectivorous birds consume the small insects as well as the nectar, and in the process transfer pollen from one flower to the next. The flowers are not self-pollinating and depend on the small Scarab beetles and the birds for pollination. The birds are accustomed to the visitors in the Gardens and provide great photo opportunities when feeding on the flowers.