About Protea scolymocephala (L.) Reichard
Protea scolymocephala (L.) Reichard is a small, erect shrub that grows between 0.5 and 1.5 metres (1 ft 8 in and 4 ft 11 in) tall. It has one main stem that branches into numerous secondary stems. Its leaves are linear-spatulate and curve upwards. The yellowish green inflorescence is relatively small, measuring approximately 3.5 to 4.5 cm in diameter. This species flowers in spring, from June or July to November, with a flowering peak in early spring between August and September. It is monoecious, with both male and female reproductive structures present in each individual flower. The fruits are persistent, meaning they remain on the plant after they dry out. Seeds are stored inside these fire-resistant dried fruits, and are released and dispersed by wind after fires. Individual plants of this species typically have a generational length of around 20 years. P. scolymocephala is endemic to the Western Cape province of South Africa. Its distribution ranges from roughly the Olifants River and Gifberg in the north, through Cape Town, to Hermanus in the east, and extends from Kleinmond to Hawston in the west. It also grows on the Slangkop headland on the Cape Peninsula. This species grows in sandy sandveld flats and coastal lowlands, and is often found growing near drainage lines. It occurs at altitudes between 0 and 400 metres (0 to 1,312 ft). Mature P. scolymocephala plants are usually killed completely by wildfires, but the species' seeds can survive these fires inside the fire-resistant inflorescences. The species is pollinated by birds and rodents, and mole rats eat its roots.
