Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Common shale conebush

Family: Proteaceae (Protea)

Distribution: Western Cape, Diep River to Bain’s Kloof

Habitat: A renosterveld and fynbos species of shale- and granite-derived soils

National red list: Endangered

Life form: Evergreen shrub / sub-shrub

Comments: This species is found at low altitudes in renosterveld and fynbos. Its cones are surrounded by linear leaves which turn pale yellow during winter, giving the cones the appearance of a flower. Although once common, this species is now threatened due to habitat loss and altered fire regimes.