Sorocephalus lanatus (Thunb.) R.Br.

Taxonomy and Common Name

Sorocephalus lanatus, commonly called the common clusterhead, is a flowering shrub in the genus Sorocephalus that is part of the fynbos vegetation.

Native Distribution

This plant is native to South Africa's Western Cape, where it occurs in the Cederberg, Groot Winterhoek, and Hex River Mountains.

Growth and Flowering Period

It grows to only 80 cm tall, has a spreading growth habit, and flowers between September and April, with its main flowering peak in December.

Fire Response

Mature plants are killed by fire, but the species' seeds survive fire to regenerate new growth.

Reproduction and Pollination

S. lanatus has bisexual flowers, and pollination is carried out by insects.

Fruit and Seed Dispersal

Two months after flowering, the fruit ripens, and seeds drop to the ground. Ants then disperse these seeds.

Habitat and Elevation

Its habitat changes with elevation, and the species grows at altitudes between 1500 and 1850 metres.