About Protea lorifolia (Knight) Fourc.
Protea lorifolia (Knight) Fourc. is a compact, round shrub that grows up to three metres tall. It blooms from April to October, and is monoecious, meaning each individual flower contains both male and female reproductive organs. This plant is endemic to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. It has a wide distribution range, extending from the Koue Bokkeveld Mountains through the Swartberg, Riviersonderend, and Langeberg Mountains, all the way to the Baviaanskloofberge and Kouga Mountains. It can also be found near the towns of Makhanda and Riebeek East, and on Boschberg mountain in Somerset East. In its native ecology, potential wildfires kill adult plants, but the species' seeds can survive these fires while safely stored in a protective cap. Seeds are later dispersed by wind. Bird activity is responsible for pollinating this species. It grows on dry slopes in sandstone-derived soils, at altitudes between 450 and 1,400 metres.
