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.

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

1. ^ http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/mimitcuc.htm
2. ^ http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/mimitcuc.htm