Paranomus capitatus, the fine-leaf sceptre, is a flower-bearing shrub that belongs to the genus Paranomus and forms part of the fynbos. The plant is native to the Western Cape where it occurs in the Du Toits Mountains south of Du Toitskloof Pass to the northern slopes of the Riviersonderend Mountains.

Paranomus capitatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Paranomus
Species:
P. capitatus
Binomial name
Paranomus capitatus
(R.Br.) Kuntze
Synonyms[2]
  • Nivenia capitata R.Br.
  • Protea capitata (R.Br.) Poir.
  • Serruria brevifolia E.Phillips & Hutch.

The shrub grows up to 50 cm tall and flowers mainly from July to October. Fire destroys the plant but the seeds survive. The plant is bisexual and pollination takes place through the action of insects. The fruit ripens, two months after flowering, and the seeds fall to the ground where they are spread by ants. The plant grows in mountainous sandstone fynbos at altitudes of 400 – 1500 m.

In Afrikaans, it is known as fynblaarsepter.

References

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  1. ^ Rebelo, A.G.; Mtshali, H.; von Staden, L. (2020). "Paranomus capitatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020. IUCN: e.T113200307A157956440. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T113200307A157956440.en.
  2. ^ "Paranomus capitatus". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
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