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Afrikaanse Inligting
Piketberg Conebush Rooitolbos - Leucadendron discolor
The Piketberg Conebush is endemic to Piketberg, occurring from Engelsman se Baken to Aasvoelkop. It is closely related to the Hopefield Conebush of the flats around Piketberg and the Langbeentjie of the Cederberg. Being a member of the Sunshine Conebush (Geelbos) Group, it is responsible for the yellow displays on the mountain in Spring. Being lanky and colourful, it is one of the most popular cut flowers - it is commercially important in the Protea Industry Atlassers have discovered much of interest about this species - its occurrence on Engelsman se Baken was discovered by atlassers. It seems to flower in September and October. It apparently grows from November to April. More data are needed for all months to help us determine more about this species. One quarter of known populations are threatened by Alien-Invader Pines. Some 15% of known populations are threatened by agriculture. It prefers deep sandy soils from 400 to 1000m. It is killed by fire, but stores its seeds in the Cones (tolle), only releasing them after the fire to disperse and grow in the burned area. Without fire every 15-30 years, this species will become extinct.