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Snowball Sugarbush Sneeublom - Protea cryophila
The biggest of the four Snow Proteas, all of which have white seeds - a unique feature. Surely this cannot be to camouflage them in the snow? But why else white? The Snowball Sugarbush is a Cederberg endemic. Occurring only on the highest peaks from 1800 to 2000m, it is at home on rocky ledges and shallow soils. It can easily be told apart from the other Snow Proteas by its large flowerheads and stems which creep on the ground. Another Snow Protea, the Heartstonguefern Sugarbush Pr scolopendriifolia also occurs in the Cederberg, but it has underground stems and prefers more shaley soils. This species flowers in the heat of summer, peaking in January-February, again suggesting that it might prefer conditions of nearly year-round snow. Is this another relict from the ice age? We would appreciate more data on this species - for instance - when does it grow its new leaves. Send in data today - join the Protea Atlas Project and help to preserve this enigma!