Protea speciosa (L.) L.

Growth Form

Protea speciosa (L.) L. is an upright shrub that reaches a maximum height of 1.2 metres.

Flowering Period

It flowers from June through January, with blooming peaking between September and October.

Reproductive Biology

This species is monoecious, meaning each individual flower contains both male and female reproductive structures.

Pollination

Pollination is carried out by birds that forage in its large flowerheads to feed on nectar.

Seed Dispersal

Its seeds are kept in woody capsules and dispersed by wind.

Habitat

The shrub grows in cool mountainous southern slopes, at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 1,300 metres.

Fire Response

It is able to re-sprout after its aboveground growth is burned off during periodic wildfires.

Distribution

This protea species is endemic to the Western Cape province of South Africa, where its distribution extends from the Cape Peninsula to the Heuningberg mountain above the town of Bredasdorp.