Matchstick Pagoda
Mimetes hottentoticus E.Phillips & Hutch.
Mimetes hottentoticus is an evergreen shrub from the Proteaceae family, reaching 1.5–3 m in height. It is native to the Cape Provinces and has been documented globally. This species is known for its distinctive cylindrical inflorescence, topped with silvery or pinkish leaves and red styles that extend upward. The flowering period typically occurs from January to March, with some flowers lasting until May. Common names include Matchstick Pagoda in English and Hottentotstompie in Afrikaans.
Description
Mimetes hottentoticus features silvery, broadly egg-shaped leaves with three small teeth at the tip. The flower heads and subtending leaves form a cylindrical inflorescence, with each flowerhead containing 8–12 flowers. The red styles are parallel and extend straight up, ending in a short white zone with a thick blackish pollen presenter. This species was first described in 1923 by E. Phillips and Hutch. It is part of the Proteaceae family, known for its ecological and botanical diversity in the Cape region.
Other common names
Matchstick Pagoda
Distribution
Global · Cape Provinces
