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Protea parvula and Protea simplex

Protea simplex and P. parvula are separated from all other Proteas by their very thin stems (2-5 mm in diam): as a rule Proteas are robust plants with thick stems. Both species have a rootstock. Protea simplex can be readily distinguished by having leaves clustered around the branches (not secund, i.e. not all pointed in one direction as in P. parvula). This is as a result of P. simplex having erect stems (and not trailing on the ground as does P. parvula). However, the feature that uniquely separates P. parvula from all other mountain and grassveld proteas is the long (up to 25 mm) stalk to the heads: sadly, this is a variable feature and the stalk may be absent. Occasional specimens of P. parvula do, however, develop a more erect than trailing growth form - under these circumstances the leaves may not be noticeably secund. This is undoubtedly the cause of the confusion in this case: such misidentifications can only be prevented by supplying adequate information with the specimens.

Proteaceae at Sipolilo Estates, Raffingora, Zimbabwe

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