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Protea simplex

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Protea simplex
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Protea
Species:
P. simplex
Binomial name
Protea simplex
E.Phillips

Protea simplex, the dwarf grassveld sugarbush, is a flower-bearing shrub belonging to the genus Protea. It is native to South Africa.

In Afrikaans, it is known as slanksuikerbos.[citation needed]

Description

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The plant is small, flattened, and grows 16 cm (6.3 in) in diameter. It flowers from December to March. The plant sprouts again after it has burned. The seeds are stored in a shell, released after 9–12 months and spread by the wind. The plant is unisexual. Pollination takes place through the action of birds.

Distribution and habitat

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The plant occurs on the escarpment of the Drakensberg from Mariepskop through Mpumalanga and Eswatini to Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal. The plant grows rotas-like, open grasslands in acid soil at altitudes of 1,300–2,150 m (4,270–7,050 ft).

References

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  1. ^ Rebelo, A.G.; Mtshali, H.; von Staden, L. (2020). "Protea simplex". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T113221187A185540113. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T113221187A185540113.en. Retrieved 10 August 2021.