The remarkable Leucospermum conocarpodendron subsp. viridum, or the green tree pincushion 💛💚✨, is one of the oldest proteas, with a lineage tracing back millions of years to the prehistoric flora of Gondwana. As a member of the ancient Proteaceae family, which emerged around 90–110 million years ago when Gondwana was still intact, this plant is a true “living fossil.” Its evolutionary resilience offers a fascinating glimpse into a world once dominated by dinosaurs and ancient ecosystems🦖 Despite surviving global climate shifts and mass extinctions, Leucospermum conocarpodendron thrives today in the Cape Floristic Region, one of the most biodiverse plant kingdoms in the world. Its unusual flowers not only symbolize South Africa’s floral beauty but also play a critical ecological role. This plant stands tall in the fynbos biome, often reaching 2–5 meters, making it one of the few “trees” in an ecosystem dominated by shrubs. Its height provides vital shelter for smaller plants and serves as a home for birds, insects, and small mammals. Behind my house, I have a forest of these incredible plants. Nearly a year ago, fires swept through the area, burning many of them. While mature plants are unlikely to recover if their above-ground structures and roots were severely damaged, their seeds are designed to survive fire. Through a fascinating partnership with ants, known as myrmecochory, the seeds are buried and protected from the flames. After the fire, nutrient-rich ash creates the perfect conditions for germination, ensuring the next generation thrives. The burnt trees now stand like blackened skeletons yet these remnants still play an important role, providing shelter for wildlife and protecting young seedlings from harsh winds and sun. Over time, as the trees decompose, they enrich the soil, paving the way for other fynbos species like restios and groundcovers to establish themselves. The fynbos regenerates beautifully, with no need for human intervention. Observing this natural recovery process is a powerful example to the resilience of Leucospermum conocarpodendron and the ecosystem it helps sustain🌱✨