Why the Name Luisies?

Leucospermum is derived from the Greek word leukas meaning “white” and spermum meaning “seeded”. Which is why Pincushions originally had the South African name of “Luisies” an allusion to the grayish-white, rounded seeds, which in the crumpled and dried flower-heads, resemble insects in tangled in the fur of an animal. 

So each year right about this time, we venture into the Pincushion fields to gather seeds.

Seeds can be found deep in the heads of the dried flowers.

Usually entangled in the white hairs.

Most of the seeds we gather are sown in pots until they are mature enough to transplant in the fields. By growing a plant from seed versus using propagated cuttings we can often discover new and different varieties for future cultivation.

Did you know these flower seeds also make a great summer snack?  Once the outer shells are removed and the seeds are roasted, they make a tasty addition to salads and breads.

"All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today". - Swedish Proverb