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Afrikaanse Inligting
Leucospermum lineare ‘nova’
John Rourke has expressed an interest in the large, erect form of Needle-leaf Pincushion - Leucospermum lineare. The question is whether it should have the status of a new species or subspecies or be left in its unnamed status as at present. Apparently, its status was not previously considered important as it was thought to be extinct (a curious concept!) Historically, it was only known from Assegaaiboskloof.
However, lots of plants of this form appeared in a recently cleared pine plantation on Middelberg near Franschhoek. A perusal of atlas data and field visits showed this form to be prevalent over much of Middelberg. Unfortunately, nearby sites at Assegaaibos and L’Ormarins have recently burned down - their affinities are unknown. We will visit these when the plants flower (in 3 years). Plants at Franschhoek & Jonkershoek are the normal (typical) form.
Unfortunately, some of the plants are in the area designated to become the Skuifraam Dam - the dam that will spare the Elandskloof and Moolenaars Rivers from having major dams. Fortunately, most of the populations are outside of this area. But they are being overgrown by the replanted pine plantations. We will approach SAFCOL with a view to having some of the denser Pincushion populations cleared of pines for long-term conservation.
The form has elicited much interest from Elsenberg. It has superior horticultural potential (a big robust flowerhead, long, erect stems, a nice red tint), and atlassers will easily see where cuttings have been taken.
Please look out for this form in the Franschhoek region.
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