About Paranomus lagopus (Thunb.) Kuntze
Taxonomy and Common Name
Paranomus lagopus (Thunb.) Kuntze, commonly known as the rabbit-paw sceptre, is a flowering shrub in the Paranomus genus that is part of the fynbos vegetation.
Geographical Distribution
It is native to the Western Cape of South Africa, where it occurs in the Koue Bokkeveld Mountains, Groot-Winterhoek Mountains, and Elandskloof Mountain.
Size and Flowering Period
This shrub grows to a height of 1.3 m and flowers between September and November each year.
Fire Response
While fire kills the mature plant, its seeds survive the fire.
Floral Biology and Pollination
Paranomus lagopus has bisexual flowers, and pollination is carried out by insects.
Fruit Development and Seed Dispersal
The fruit matures two months after flowering, after which the seeds drop to the ground and are spread by ants.
Habitat and Elevation Range
The species grows in sandstone-derived sandy soils at elevations between 200 and 1100 m.
