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Ls conocarpodendron s-spp problems
Just what is the difference
between the two subspecies of Ls conocarpodendron? I can find hairy and hairless
leaves on both forms!
Ivor Jardine, Kenilworth
The difference is as follows (Rourke 1972: 36):
- Leaves canescent, with a dense indumentum of fine crisped hairs - Subspecies conocarpodendron
- Leaves deep green, glabrous or glabrescent (margins occasionally fimbriate) - Subspecies viridum
Or in English:
- Leaves becoming grey and hoary, with a dense matted surface of fine crisped hairs - Subspecies conocarpodendron
- Leaves deep green, hairless or ageing to nearly hairless (margins occasionally fringed with hairs) Subspecies viridum
Please note that both subspecies have hairy leaves when young. Note also that very old leaves (after 4 or 5 years) loose almost all hairs in both subspecies. Please concentrate on the mature leaves (2-4 years old). The dense mat of fine hairs in conocarpodendron cannot be seen with the naked eye! It is a grey, felt-like layer which can be rubbed off. At 20 X magnification it can be seen to comprise small, curled hairs which resemble hooks. There are also long, thin straight hairs which are visible, but these are not important in distinguishing the subspecies.
Tony Rebelo
| Leucospermum conocarpodendron viridum | Leucospermum conocarpodendron viridum | |
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