Proteaceae - Botanical Family

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.

The inflorescences consist of a large number of small flowers. It is the stiff protruding styles of the flowers which are the source of the common name "pincushion" for this genus. Only a few large, hard, nut-like seeds are produced by each inflorescence. In their natural environment the seeds are collected by ants, stored in the soil, and germinate only after a fire has killed the mature plants and returned the nutrients back to the soil.

Leucospermum lineare is a small shrub native to South Africa, also known as Needle-leaf Pincushion. It grows between 2 to 5 feet tall and produces red and crimson vinous flowers, with a yellow or orange center. This plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, so its a great choice for gardens and flower beds. It's hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 and should be planted in full sun for best blooms.

When it comes to water, this plant does not need lots of it and in fact, it may soon suffer from root damage with excessive watering. Moderate watering is all it needs. During cold winters, it's recommended to grow this plant in a pot, indoors or in a greenhouse. Provide proper drainage and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. The pot should be placed in a sunny or brightly lit location and the soil should be light and well-draining. Fertilize the plant with low-nitrogen organic fertilizer once in spring.

Leucospermum lineare is a great addition to any garden, with its soft red-white bracts and yellow-orange flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. For best results, grow it in full sun with moderate watering and proper drainage. In cold regions, it can be grown in a pot with low-nitrogen organic fertilizer. Enjoy the beauty of this plant as it brings color and life to your garden.

Large ornamental shrub 9", with bright orange pincushion flowers. Excellent shrub for well-drained alkaline soils. Flowers best in open sunny position.

Sprawling shrub forming dense mats 1-3m across.

The flowers are produced in dense inflorescences, which have large numbers of prominent styles, which inspires the name.

Lomatia tinctoria, or the Guitar Plant, is a small, evergreen shrub native to Australia. Growing up to two to five feet tall, this ornamental foliage is best suited for full sun to semi-shade locations, with moderate levels of water. White or off-white flowers appear in late spring, in the form of a loose spikes. The buds, similar in shape to the ensuing woody fruits, are guitar-shaped and leathery to the touch. The leaves are fern-like and pinnately divided into long and slender feathery lobes.

This species is not often cultivated, but is a hardy shrub for temperate climates in zones 7-10. It can withstand extreme dry conditions once established, but performs best with adequate moisture. It can also adapt to a range of soil types, as long as there is proper drainage.

For the best results when planting this species in cold regions, the soil should be well draining and the plant should be given occasional deep waterings. It is best to mulch the pot to provide insulation and help retain moisture in the soil during cold winters. The area should then be monitored in order to ensure that the plant receives enough water during its most vital season. It is also important to provide wind protection and full sun when feasible. With the right environmental conditions and proper care, this plant can be a great ornamental addition to any garden!

Macadamia sp., commonly known as Macadamia Nut Tree, refers to a group of evergreen trees in the Proteaceae family native to Australia. These trees typically grow 20 to 40 ft tall, forming a dense, rounded canopy with leathery, glossy green leaves that may be smooth or slightly toothed depending on species. Long, pendulous flower racemes bear numerous small, creamy white to pinkish flowers, followed by hard-shelled nuts enclosed in a green husk. The macadamia nuts in cultivation come mainly from Macadamia integrifolia, Macadamia tetraphylla, and their hybrids, which are often difficult to distinguish without detailed botanical traits.

This group prefers full sun and well-drained soil with regular moisture, especially during establishment and nut development. Growth rate is moderate to fast in warm climates. Cold tolerance varies, with damage likely below about 25 to 28F; best suited to USDA Zones 9 to 11 depending on species. Macadamia species are grown both as ornamental shade trees and for nut production and can be maintained in large containers when young.

Oreocallis grandiflora (Oreocallis) is a small tree that grows from 10 to 20 feet high, and has a spread of about the same size. The tree produces beautiful flowers that vary in color depending on the variety. It is a fast-growing plant that prefers full sun to semi-shade, and will require regular watering to maintain a healthy growth. In the summer months, it will require moderate amounts of water to keep the soil moist. During colder months, the Oreocallis grandiflora will still require watering but it will need less water than it did in the summer.

The plant has ethnomedical use in its native region to cure snakebites.

In terms of plant care, this plant is not very demanding. It performs well in USDA Zones 9-11. In colder regions and for growing in pots, the Oreocallis grandiflora needs to be taken inside during the winter. If outdoors and temperatures drop under 40F. Additionally, it's also important to protect it from strong winds and keep it away from areas with salt in the air and soil.