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LEUCADENDRON argenteum
Silver Tree
Rare. In danger of extinction in the wild.
Family: Proteaceae
Characteristics: Evergreen small tree to 6 m spread 2 m
Seed per packet: 5
One of South Africa's rarest and most beautiful trees the Silver tree survives in the wild only on some slopes of Table Mountain.
An erect, well-proportioned growing ornamental plant with a stout trunk and thick, grey bark. The upright branches are covered with large lance-shaped leaves, up to 150 x 20 that are silver-grey, covered on both surfaces with thousands of tiny, soft, silvery hairs and fringed with long white hairs. The characteristic silver sheen of the leaves is caused by the hairs, the intensity of the sheen varies and is at its most silver in hot, dry weather.
The male bracts shine bright silver and the flower heads are bright yellow balls. The florets occur in rounded heads, 40 x 50 mm wide, the florets are silver to pinkish silver in bud and yellow and pink when open. Female flower heads are quite hard to find as the involucral leaves conceal the heads and don't shine quite as brightly.
In danger of extinction in the wild it is estimated that 74% of the wild population and 55% of its habitat has been lost to urbanisation and agriculture.
Leucadendrons are dioecious, separate male and female plants. Both the male and female flowers occur in dense heads at the branch tips with the male flowers the most attractive, only the female flower will produce cones and seeds.
Prefers sandy well-drained soil in a protected sunny position. Drought and frost tender.
The best time to sow is usually autumn or spring when the temperature range is between 16-22°C, and there is a difference of day and night temperatures of around 12°C.
If your summers are hot and dry and winter is moderate and wet, autumn is the best time to sow.
In colder climates with less harsh summers, it is usually better to sow in spring.
- The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering.
- Sow the seed equal to its side deep. Vermiculite is an excellent medium to cover the surface as it helps retain moisture and controls the temperature.
- Keep moist but not too wet, as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out.
- Germination should occur in 30-60 days, depending on the temperature and conditions.
Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended:
Members of the Proteaceae are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment, it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species of the Proteaceae family.
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken by soaking the seed overnight or applying it to the surface after sowing; both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.
*Please note:
- Please do not be too hasty to discard seeds that do not germinate; seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural germination requirements.
- As with all seeds, they must have adequate water to keep them moist but not too wet.
- These growth notes are provided as guidance only and do not guarantee successful germination.
Our team can assist you if you require a quote for a specific project, a large domestic or export order, or if you're looking for a particular item or need to make a bulk purchase.
One of our team members can help; please do not hesitate to contact us at quotes..
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:
WE NO LONGER ISSUE PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES.
We can only export seeds to the following countries.
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Norway
-United Arab Emirates
-Saudia Arabia
- USA (only small lots with a Small Lot Import Permit)
- South Korea (only up to 100g lots with a South Korean Import Permit)
The purchaser is responsible for clearing the goods through their customs and paying all charges associated with clearing the goods, including any import fees and taxes if applicable. The purchaser is responsible for the clearance. Failing to do this may result in the goods being destroyed by their customs.
Australian Seed cannot accept returns due to Australian quarantine restrictions.
WE DO NOT OFFER REFUNDS ON INTERNATIONAL ORDERS
Importing to Tasmania Prohibited