Status:
valid
Authors:
Eckl. & Zeyh.
Source:
rjp
Year:
1836
Citation Micro:
Enum. Pl. Afric. Austral. : 265 (1836)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000986071
Common Names
- Leucosidea sericea
- Silky Oak
- Silky-leaved Oak
Description
Leucosidea sericea (also called Silver Oak, among many other common names) is a species of evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It is a shrub growing to 5 m tall, with a trunk up to 40 cm diameter. Its leaves are oval, 5–10 cm long and 3–7 cm broad, with a serrated margin.
Uses & Benefits
Leucosidea sericea is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used medicinally to treat digestive problems, fever, and skin diseases. The leaves can be used to make tea, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Leucosidea sericea are white and star-shaped. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings have long, narrow leaves and thin stems.
Cultivation and Propagation
Leucosidea sericea can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. Sow the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water and then given 3 months cold stratification. It usually germinates in the spring. Cuttings can be taken in the summer. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Where to Find Leucosidea sericea
Leucosidea sericea is native to South Africa. It can be found in dry, rocky areas and on hillsides.
Species in the Leucosidea genus
Species in the Rosaceae family
Acaena macrocephala,
Acaena antarctica,
Acaena argentea,
Acaena boliviana,
Acaena buchananii,
Acaena echinata,
Acaena agnipila,
Acaena cylindristachya,
Acaena confertissima,
Acaena eupatoria,
Acaena integerrima,
Acaena leptacantha,
Acaena ovina,
Acaena magellanica,
Acaena masafuerana,
Acaena patagonica,
Acaena tenera,
Acaena platyacantha,
Acaena pumila,
Acaena splendens,
Acaena stricta,
Acaena stangii,
Acaena trifida,
Acaena pallida,
Acaena caespitosa,
Acaena saccaticupula,
Acaena subincisa,
Acaena hirsutula,
Acaena fissistipula,
Acaena glabra,
Acaena tesca,
Acaena juvenca,
Acaena emittens,
Acaena dumicola,
Acaena profundeincisa,
Acaena minor,
Acaena alpina,
Acaena montana,
Acaena myriophylla,
Acaena poeppigiana,
Acaena anserovina,
Acaena sericea,
Acaena latebrosa,
Acaena sarmentosa,
Acaena elongata,
Acaena exigua,
Acaena rorida,
Acaena novae-zelandiae,
Acaena pinnatifida,
Acaena inermis,