Flowering undisturbedly in its habitat among Protea, Leucadendron and all the rest of Fernkloof fynbos, this Leucospermum cordifolium plant adds lustre to spring in October. Known for its long blooming season that lasts from late winter to midsummer, it is one of the stalwarts for adding bold colour beyond the common greenery of fynbos.

Sima Eliovson (1983) described this plant as “the finest landscape shrub in existence” in her book that saw at least six editions over nearly twenty years (p. 146). Many may search their memories or files for alternatives to refute such a daring statement; not so many will find something to put forward with confidence.