Protea pityphylla

Protea pityphylla, also known as Ceres sugarbush,[1][3][4] is a flowering shrub of the genus Protea, in the family Proteaceae.[1][3][4] The plant is endemic to the Cape Region of South Africa.[1][5]

Protea pityphylla
Protea pityphylla in South Africa.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Protea
Species:
P. pityphylla
Binomial name
Protea pityphylla

It was first described as a new species by Edwin Percy Phillips in 1910.[2][6]

The shrub becomes up to one metre high. It blooms from May to September, with the peak in May to July. It is monoecious, both sexes occur in each flower.[4]

This species has a very restricted range, occurring in an area of occupancy of 88 km², and known from only five localities.[1] Protea pityphylla is found on the Skurweberg, Hex River Mountains and Olifants River Mountains.[4]

Periodic wildfires destroy the adult plants, but the seeds can survive such an event. The seeds are dispersed by means of the wind. In 1998 it was unknown what creature may be responsible for pollination of the flowers. The plant grows in mountainous areas among large rocks, at altitudes of 500 to 1,500 metres.[4]

References
  1. Rebelo, A.G.; Mtshali, H.; von Staden, L. (25 September 2019). "Ceres Sugarbush". Red List of South African Plants. version 2020.1. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  2. "Protea pityphylla". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  3. "Protea pityphylla (Ceres sugarbush)". Biodiversity Explorer. Iziko - Museums of South Africa. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  4. "Rose Sugarbushes - Proteas". Protea Atlas Project Website. 11 March 1998. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  5. "Protea pityphylla E.Phillips". Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  6. Phillips, Edwin Percy (1910). "Diagnoses Africanae: XXXVII". Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information, Royal Gardens, Kew (in Latin). 1910 (7): 234, 235. Retrieved 13 August 2020.



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