Abstract
AbstractFive economically important species of the family Proteaceae were investigated to determine which leaf characteristics possibly contributed to deterring insect herbivory. The presence of phenolic compounds such as tannins in the leaves of all five plant species and the ability of these to precipitate proteins varied between the plant species. The young leaves of Leucadendron laureolum exhibited a pronounced cyanogenic capacity, while those of Leucospermum cordifolium and Protect neriifolia were covered by a thick layer of trichomes. The glabrous young leaves of P. repens and P. cynaroides were apparently protected by phenolic compounds. The increasingly sclerophyllous character of ageing proteaceous leaves may afford these leaves some protection against certain insects. The importance of these findings is discussed in terms of the development of insect resistant Proteaceae cultivars.
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