Family: Proteaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Leucospermum bolusii (Gordon’s Bay pincushion) is a flowering shrub native to the southwestern Cape Province of South Africa, where it grows in nutrient-poor, sandy soils in fynbos habitats. It is a member of the protea family and is known for its striking, rounded flower heads that resemble bright orange to yellow pincushions with long, curved styles. The plant typically grows as a compact, evergreen shrub and is valued for its ornamental appeal, especially in gardens that feature drought-tolerant or Mediterranean-style plantings. It is also widely used in the cut flower industry because of its unique, long-lasting blooms that attract pollinators such as birds and insects.

Risks & Threats
Leucospermum bolusii is considered low risk in Hawaii and is not known to be naturalized in the islands. It has not shown strong tendencies toward invasiveness, as it is generally adapted to specific soil conditions and does not spread aggressively outside of cultivation. While it performs well in managed landscapes, its ecological impact is expected to be minimal under current conditions. However, as with any introduced ornamental plant, continued observation is recommended to ensure it does not establish in sensitive natural areas, particularly in dry or disturbed habitats where it could potentially persist.

High Risk Traits:

• Unpalatable to grazers (deer resistant)
  
• Occurs in fire-prone ecosystems (fire hazard)
  
• Produces viable, easily germinating seed
  
• Self-compatible (both sexes in each flower)
  
• Seeds intentionally dispersed by people (ornamental, sold internationally)
  
• Seeds dispersed by ants (external animal dispersal)
  
• Persistent soil seed bank (stored in ant nests)

Low Risk Traits:

• No naturalization, or weediness evidence
  
• Narrow climate suitability (Mediterranean coastal South Africa only)
  
• Not shade tolerant; requires sunny position
  
• Narrow soil tolerance (acid, well-drained sandstone only; intolerant of clay/rich soils)
  
• No spines, thorns, burrs, toxins, or allergens
  
• No vegetative spread; killed by fire (no resprouting)
  
• No wind, water, or bird dispersal (only ants)