Leucadendron argenteum aka Cape Silvertree

Leucadendron argenteum, also known as the silver tree or silver leaf tree, is an endangered plant species in the Proteaceae family. It is endemic to a small area of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, primarily found in and around Cape Town. However, there are also populations near Somerset West, Paarl, and Stellenbosch, possibly introduced. This tree is protected in South Africa due to its vulnerability. The silver tree is an evergreen with an upright, pyramidal to columnar shape. It has robust stems that are densely covered with narrow, pointed, and shiny silver-hairy leaves, reaching up to 15cm in length. During spring and summer, it produces spherical flower heads on male plants that are yellow-green, while females have greenish silver flower heads. If pollinated, these flowers develop into silver cones that can remain on the tree for several years. Typically, the silver tree grows to a height of 5-7 meters, although it can sometimes reach up to 16 meters. It has an erect and well-proportioned form, with a thick, straight trunk and gray bark. The leaves are soft, silky, lanceolate, and measure 8-15 cm long and 2 cm wide. They have a distinctive silvery sheen created by thick velvety hairs. The flowers, which are wind-pollinated, form dense globular inflorescences measuring 4-5 cm in diameter and emit a pleasant aroma. Being dioecious, this tree has separate male and female plants. The fruit is a heavy woody cone containing numerous seeds. Each seed is a small nut with a silky parachute-like structure that allows it to be dispersed by the wind. After germination, two green, bare, leathery cotyledons emerge. Leucadendron argenteum is a remarkable species with its silver foliage, attractive flowers, and unique reproductive characteristics. Its restricted distribution and vulnerability make it a valuable and protected tree in South Africa.