Mimetes cucullatus
| Mimetes cucullatus | |
|---|---|
.JPG) | |
| Plants in Fernkloof Nature Reserve | |
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| Close-up view showing flowers | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Mimetes |
| Species: | M. cucullatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Mimetes cucullatus R.Br.[1] | |
Mimetes cucullatus is a species of plant in the Proteaceae family. It is commonly known as the red pagoda or rooistompie.
Distribution
Mimetes cucullatus occurs in the fynbos vegetation type of the Cape Floristic Region, located in the Western Cape of South Africa.
Ecology
Adaptions to Environment
This plant is a resprouter, which shoots up new growth from its base after a fire. This is unusual for Mimetes, as all other species are re-seeders; their seeds germinate after a fire, but mature plants are killed by fire.[2]
It has proteoid or cluster roots, which enhance the uptake of nutrients, enabling it to grow in low nutrient soils.
Reproduction
This species, along with other members of the genus Mimetes, is adapted to bird pollination.
M. cucullatus has special glands on the tips of its leaves called extrafloral nectaries, which attract ants. Ants may defend the plants against insect herbivores. In addition, ants are the main dispersers of M. cucullatus seeds.
Cultivation
M. cucullatus is an unusual and beautiful plant. It is popular with people who have interest in indigenous plants and wildlife gardens.
Since M. cucullatus is a resprouter, it responds well to severe pruning.[2]
References
- ↑ "Mimetes cucullatus R. Br.". The Plant List. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
- 1 2 http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/mimitcuc.htm
External links
- Dressler, S.; Schmidt, M. & Zizka, G. (2014). [http://www.africanplants.senckenberg.de/root/index.php?submitForm=true&page_id=77&searchTextMenue=Mimetes+cucullatus&filterRegionIDs[]=6&filterRegionIDs[]=1&filterRegionIDs[]=2&filterRegionIDs[]=3&filterRegionIDs[]=5 "Mimetes cucullatus"]. African plants – a Photo Guide. Frankfurt/Main: Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg.
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