Paranomus spicatus (P.J.Bergius) Kuntze

Nomenclature and Classification

Paranomus spicatus, commonly called the Kogelberg sceptre, is a flowering shrub. It belongs to the genus Paranomus and is a member of the fynbos vegetation type.

Distribution Range

This plant is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa, where it occurs in the Hottentots Holland Mountains, ranging from Sir Lowry's Pass to the Kogelberg area.

Size and Flowering Period

The shrub reaches a maximum height of 1 meter, and flowers between September and November.

Fire Response

While fire will kill the mature plant, its seeds can survive fire events.

Reproduction and Pollination

P. spicatus is a bisexual species, and pollination is carried out by insects.

Fruit Development

The fruit of the plant ripens two months after flowering finishes.

Seed Dispersal

After ripening, seeds fall to the ground, and are then spread by ants.

Habitat and Elevation

It grows in shale soils that are also suitable for vineyards, at elevations between 200 and 300 meters above sea level.

Additional Common Names

In Afrikaans, this species goes by the common names perdebos and poppies.