Witteboom
Leucadendron argenteum (silver tree, silver leaf tree, Afrikaans: Witteboom) is a rare and endangered plant species in the family Proteaceae, which is endemic to a small area of the Cape Peninsula.
The Silver Tree is a striking evergreen tree, growing 5–7 m tall (sometimes up to 16 m). It is erect and well-proportioned with a thick, straight trunk and grey bark. The soft, silky leaves are shiny silver, lanceolate, 8–15 cm long and 2 cm broad, with their distinct silvery sheen produced by dense velvety hairs. The wind-pollinated flowers are produced in dense globose inflorescences 4–5 cm diameter, and give off a pleasant scent. Like all Leucadendrons, this tree is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. The fruit is a heavy woody cone, containing numerous seeds; each seed is a small nut with a silky-haired helicopter-like parachute, enabling it to disperse by wind. After germination it pushes up two green, bare and leathery cotyledons.
Distribution
This enormous silver Protea is naturally confined to a tiny area in and around the city of Cape Town. Its main population grows on the slopes of Table Mountain, notably the Lion's Head area, above Rhodes Memorial and the mountain slopes above Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Check out Silver Tree Walk (GC3JKJ2) on the slopes of Vlakkenberg for another healthy population. It’s great to see the revival of these trees in this part of Wynberg Park. Up until recently this area was regularly mowed and was just empty lawn – since the mowing has ceased many species that have been dormant for many years have made a comeback.
Conservation Status
Rare and endangered. Rare means that it has a small population and a restricted distribution range. Endangered means that it faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. It is estimated that Leucadendron argenteum has lost 74% of its population and 55% of its habitat has been transformed primarily by urbanization and agriculture.
It has inspired a few place names over the years, the earliest recorded being Witteboomen in 1672, a thicket on the way to Hout Bay. Wittebome Station in Wynberg reminds us of the days when Wynberg was a village surrounded by large groves of the silver tree. Farms on the Peninsula called Witteboom or Silverhurst were named for this tree.
Cache Location
The cache is located away from the path in a quieter part of the park with Parking nearby. Wynberg Park is very busy over the weekend and although GZ is fairly close to a braai area – you will be able to search uninterrupted and unobserved due to the denseness of the forest. No tree climbing is required. Please be careful to not damage any of the trees or disturb the soil near the base of the tree.
Winter Opening Times: 07h30 – 18h00 / Summer Opening Times: 07h00 – 19h00
Additional reading
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucadendron_argenteum
https://pza.sanbi.org/leucadendron-argenteum
https://www.thecapeandafricadiscovered.com/post/the-silver-trees-of-table-mountain