Biology:Protea compacta
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (July 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) |
| Protea compacta | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Protea |
| Species: | P. compacta
|
| Binomial name | |
| Protea compacta R.Br.
| |
Protea compacta is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae. It is similar to Protea eximia. Its distribution is from the Kleinmond to Bredasdorp Mountains in South Africa and is one of the best known proteas in the cut flower industry. Its leaves curve upward.
Description
This is a popular local market cut flower in South Africa, where it is known by the common name of the Bot River protea. Its natural habitat is a narrow region of the south western Cape Province, and it occurs at altitudes less than Template:Convert abbreviated above sea level, in poor, sandy, generally highly leached acidic soils. The plants tend to grow in close groups where their stems support each other.
The plants can be cultivated in well-drained acid soils, and are tolerant of light frost and salt spray near the coast. Fresh seed germinates readily, and cuttings taken from semi-hardwood in late spring or autumn are usually successful. Visitors to South Africa can see the plant in cultivation by driving the beautiful coastal road from Gordon's Bay to Hermanus.
Growth habit
Protea compacta usually forms erect slender bushes, tending to sprawl on richer soils. May extend long stems that reach a max. of Template:Convert abbreviated in height. Relatively short-lived – average age ca. 10 years.
Leaves
Leaves are ca. Template:Convert abbreviated in length, Template:Convert abbreviated in width; soft and pilose when young becoming leathery and glabrous with age; margins entire and often reddish; carried closely to the stems causing the stems to appear neat in appearance.
Flowers
The blooms are pink and shaped like the bowl of a wineglass, the outer involucral bracts tending to fade towards the base; up to Template:Convert abbreviated long and up Template:Convert abbreviated in circumference, carried on long stems of ca. Template:Convert abbreviated in length with the bloom at the apex; usual flowering period is early to mid-winter, but may occasionally flower at other times. The colour of the flowers can be quite variable in intensity, and a natural white variety does occur. The bracts are slightly translucent making the flowers particularly radiant when backlit by the sun.
References
- ↑ Rebelo, A.G., Mtshali, H. & Raimondo, D. (2020). Protea compacta. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T113208959A185534734.en
Further reading
- van Wyk, B. and van Wyk, P. 1997. Field Guide to trees of South Africa. Struik, Cape Town
- Pooley, E. 2005. A Field Guide to Wild Flowers of Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Region. National Floral Publications Trust, Durban
- Matthews, L. 1993. Proteas of the World. Bok Books, Durban.
- Rousseau, F. 1970. The Proteaceae of South Africa. Purnell, Cape Town.
Wikidata ☰ Q2157925 entry
 |  |
