Silver tree.

De un vistazo

Nivel de cuidados

Difícil

Tipo de planta

Evergreen tree

Luz

Full sun

Luz en interior

Sol directo

Riego

Cada 7 a 14 días

Tamaño adulto

5 to 7 meters

Ritmo de crecimiento

Medio

Rusticidad

USDA 9 a 11

Floración

Late winter to early spring

Cuidados

This plant needs excellent drainage and plenty of airflow to stay healthy. Keep an eye out for root rot, which often shows up as wilting or discolored foliage. It prefers a Mediterranean climate and struggles in high humidity.

Riego

Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root issues.

Abonado

Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer sparingly as this plant is sensitive to nutrients.

Poda

Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.

Trasplante

Repot only when necessary, as this plant dislikes root disturbance.

Suelo

Sandy, acidic, well-draining soil

pH del suelo

Acidic

Temperatura

-2 a 35°C

Humedad

30 a 50%

Tolerancia a la sequía

Alta

Longevidad

Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years

Resistencia a ciervos y conejos

Moderada

Seguridad

Personas

There is no evidence of significant human toxicity.

Niños

The stiff, pointed leaves can be sharp, so keep this plant away from areas where children play.

Alérgenos por contacto

The fine hairs on the leaves can cause mechanical skin irritation if handled frequently.

Alérgenos en el aire

The pollen may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals during the flowering season.

Comestibilidad

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

Cómo identificarla

• Silvery, lance-shaped leaves
• Leaves covered in fine, silky hairs
• Stiff, woody stems
• Distinctive cone-like flower heads

Altura

5 a 7m

Anchura

2 a 4m

Hojas

silver, grey, evergreen

Flores

yellow, 3 a 5cm

Frutos

brown, Late summer

Problemas frecuentes

• Root rot — Caused by poor drainage or overwatering in heavy soils.
• Phytophthora — A soil borne pathogen that thrives in wet, warm conditions.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagación

seed, cuttings

Cuándo plantar

spring, autumn

Cuidados en invierno

Protect from hard frosts and ensure the soil remains very dry during the winter months to prevent root rot.

En maceta

It is not well suited for containers due to its deep taproot and need for specific soil conditions.

Group with other fynbos plants that require minimal fertilization and excellent drainage.

Buenas compañeras

• Protea repens — They share similar requirements for acidic, well drained soil.
• Erica — These plants thrive in the same nutrient poor, fynbos conditions.

Especies parecidas

• Leucadendron salignum — It is a smaller, more manageable relative with similar foliage habits.

Ciencia

Familia

Proteaceae

Género

Leucadendron

Orden

Proteales

Clase

Magnoliopsida

Distribución natural

South Africa, specifically the Cape Peninsula.

Conservación

This species is classified as endangered in its native South African habitat due to urban development and invasive species.

It is a fire adapted species that relies on fire to clear competing vegetation and trigger seed release.

Valor para la fauna

nectar source

Polinizadores

abejas, escarabajos

Usos

ornamental specimen, cut foliage, windbreak

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Does it need a lot of water?

No, it prefers well drained, sandy soil and is quite drought tolerant once established.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It is difficult to maintain in a container long term due to its large size and specific soil needs.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus name Leucadendron comes from the Greek words for white and tree, while the species name argenteum means silvery.

Bueno saberlo

• It is commonly known as the Silver Tree.
• The leaves were historically used by early settlers to create paintings.
• It is a member of the Proteaceae family.
• It is endemic to a very small area on the slopes of Table Mountain.
• The silvery sheen is caused by dense, reflective hairs.

También en

• Plantas resistentes a la sequía