- Mimetes cucullata
-
Mimetes cucullata Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae (unranked): Angiosperms (unranked): Eudicots Order: Proteales Family: Proteaceae Genus: Mimetes Species: M. cucullatus Binomial name Mimetes cucullatus
R.Br.Mimetes cucullatus is a species of plant in the Proteaceae family. It is locally known as the rooistompie.
Contents
Distribution
It is found growing in the wild 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.[1]
It has protoid roots, which means that this plant's roots are sensitive and must never be disturbed, as this will have an adverse effect on the plant.
Reproduction
This species, along with other members of the genus Mimetes, is adapted to bird pollination.
M. cucullatus shares a characteristic with the rest of the Protoidea: it has special glands on the tips of its leaves, which attracts ants. It is thought by some that this is a defence mechanism. In addition, ants are the main dispersers of M. cucullata seeds.
Cultivation
M. cucullatus is an unusual and beautiful plant. It is popular with people who have interest in indigenous plants and wildlife gardens.
Due to it being a resprouter, it responds well to severe pruning.[2]
References
Categories:- Mimetes
- Proteaceae stubs
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.