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Afrikaanse Inligting
Louis Leipoldt's Spiderhead - Serruria leipoldtii
This is a rare Cederberg endemic, occurring as isolated plants in sandstone between 1000 and 1400m. As such it is very seldom noticed and we should appreciate more data on its habits. It prefers deep sands near rocky areas. It can be distinguished from other Spiderheads in the Cederberg by its multi-stemmed growth habit. The stems grow from an underground rootstock which allows the plants to survive fires. From the little data we have on this species, it appears to flower during summer and autumn. Growth occurs at the end of summer, after the seeds have been matured and safely stored (by ants) in ants nests. There are 7 species of Spiderheads in the Clanwilliam area, many of which are very poorly known. Spiderheads can be identified by their divided leaves and compound flowerheads. If you know of any populations of these species, why not join the project and help to ensure their conservation?