 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (December 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Protea simplex | |
|---|---|
| |
| Conservation status | |
 Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Protea |
| Species: | P. simplex |
| Binomial name | |
| Protea simplex E.Phillips | |
Protea simplex, the dwarf grassveld sugarbush, is a flower-bearing shrub belonging to the genus Protea. It is native to South Africa.
In Afrikaans, it is known as slanksuikerbos.
Description
The plant is small, flattened, and grows 16 cm (6.3 in) in diameter. It flowers from December to March. The plant sprouts again after it has burned. The seeds are stored in a shell, released after 9–12 months and spread by the wind. The plant is unisexual. Pollination takes place through the action of birds.
Distribution and habitat
The plant occurs on the escarpment of the Drakensberg from Mariepskop through Mpumalanga and Eswatini to Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal. The plant grows rotas-like, open grasslands in acid soil at altitudes of 1,300–2,150 m (4,270–7,050 ft).
References
- Rebelo, A.G.; Mtshali, H.; von Staden, L. (2020). "Protea simplex". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T113221187A185540113. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T113221187A185540113.en. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
- http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=799-133
- https://www.proteaatlas.org.za/sugar11.htm
- http://biodiversityexplorer.info/plants/proteaceae/protea.htm
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Protea simplex | |