Protea scolymocephala

Taxonomy

Protea scolymocephala was first described by Linnaeus as Leucadendron scolymocephalum,

Description

It is a small, erect shrub between 0.5 and in height. It has a single main stem, which branches into a large number of secondary stems. The leaves are linear-spatulate and curve upwards. The inflorescence is yellowish green and relatively small, some 3.5–4.5 cm in diameter. The species flowers in Spring, between June or July to November, with the peak in early Spring, between August and September. This species is monoecious with both sexes in each flower. The fruits are persistent, which means they are retained on the plant after drying. The seeds stored within the fire-resistant, dried fruit, and when released after fires are dispersed by means of wind.

Individual plants generally have a generational length of some 20 years.

Distribution

P. scolymocephala is endemic to the Western Cape province of South Africa, where it is found from approximately the Olifants River and the Gifberg in the north, through Cape Town, to Hermanus in the east, and from Kleinmond to Hawston in the west. It grows on the Slangkop headland on the Cape Peninsula.

Ecology

It grows in sandy flats (sandveld) and coastal lowlands, and is often found growing near drainage lines. It is found from altitudes of 0 to.

The mature plants are usually completely killed by wildfires, but the seeds can survive such events within the fire-resistant inflorescences.

It is pollinated by birds and rodents. The roots are eaten by mole rats. File:Protea scolymocephala 1DS-II 2-3824.jpg|Protea scolymocephala cultivated at Paarlberg Nature Reserve, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa File:Protea scolymocephala 1.jpg|habitus of plant cultivated at the University of California Botanical Garden in Berkeley File:Protea scolymocephala kz2.jpg|habitus at Auckland Botanic Gardens, New Zealand File:Protea scolymocephala.jpg|developing inflorescence at the University of California Botanical Garden File:Protea scolymocephala 1DS-II 3-5534.jpg|leaves and flowerheads at the Caledon Wild Flower Show in Caledon, Western Cape

Conservation

In 1998 it was said to be largely extirpated in the southern part of its range, but still locally common in the north. The status of the population of this species was first assessed as 'vulnerable' by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) in 2005. In the 2019 SANBI assessment the authors state that the population is decreasing and that the situation of the population is such that its status might require upgrading to that of 'endangered' in the near future, should current trends in the northern part of its range continue. Its range has decreased by some 40% over the last sixty years. Over the sixty year time period, the range has furthermore been decreased by urban expansion, agriculture, invasive vegetation, too frequent wildfires, groundwater extraction and increased mole rat activity. The expansion of rooibos tea plantations and arable land for the production of potatoes are specific present-day threats causing habitat loss in the northern part of this species' range, and likely are the greatest threats to its survival. Other possible problems identified as threats to the survival of this species are direct effects from invasive species, over-harvesting due to gathering of plant (parts), habitat loss, habitat degradation and other intrinsic factors such as changes in native species dynamics.

References

References

1. Rebelo, A.G.. (2020). "''Protea scolymocephala''".
2. . (2017). ["''Protea scolymocephala'' Reichard"](http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/706122-1). *Kew Science*.
3. Rebelo, Tony. (2001). "Sasol Proteas – A Field Guide to the Proteas of South Africa". Fernwood Press & National Botanical Institute.
4. Notten, Alice. (August 2006). "''Protea scolymocephala'' (L.) Reichard". [[South African National Biodiversity Institute]].
5. (17 April 2005). "Thistle Sugarbush". [[South African National Biodiversity Institute]].
6. "''Protea scolymocephala'' (Thistle sugarbush)". Iziko – Museums of South Africa.
7. (11 March 1998). "Rose Sugarbushes – Proteas".
8. "''Protea scolymocephala'' {{!}} International Plant Names Index". The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens.