Serruria candicans, the shiny spiderhead, is a flower-bearing shrub that belongs to the genus Serruria and forms part of the fynbos. The plant is native to the Western Cape, where it occurs from Elandskloof to the Slanghoek Mountains and Paardeberg at Malmesbury. The shrub is erect and grows only 80 cm tall and bears flowers from July to December.

Serruria candicans
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Serruria
Species:
S. candicans
Binomial name
Serruria candicans
Synonyms[2]
  • Nivenia candicans R.Br.

Fire destroys the plant but the seeds survive. Two months after flowering, the fruit falls off and ants disperse the seeds. They store the seeds in their nests. The plant is unisexual. Pollination takes place through the action of insects. The plant grows in mountain fynbos and renosterveld at elevations of 60–700 m.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Rebelo, A.G.; Mtshali, H.; von Staden, L. (2020). "Serruria candicans". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020. IUCN: e.T113232803A185576981. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T113232803A185576981.en.
  2. ^ "Serruria candicans". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
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