Genus Mimetes Rank Species | ||
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Similar Mimetes, Mimetes hirtus, Protea scolymocephala, Mimetes fimbriifolius, Protea eximia | ||
Protea update mimetes cucullatus propagation from seed update 1
Mimetes cucullatus is a species of plant in the family Proteaceae. It is commonly known as the red pagoda or rooistompie.
Contents
- Protea update mimetes cucullatus propagation from seed update 1
- Distribution
- Adaptions to environment
- Reproduction
- Cultivation
- References
Distribution
Mimetes cucullatus occurs in the fynbos vegetation type of the Cape Floristic Region, located in the Western Cape of South Africa.
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.
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.