Home
Mission
Overview of Project
Project Staff
Sponsors
Achievements
Checking, Illustrations
Upcoming Activities
Id and Species Lists
Protea Information
Protea Gallery
Growing Proteas
Interim Dist. Maps
Publications
Afrikaanse Inligting
Bashful Sugarbush Elimaardroos - Protea pudens
The Bashful Sugarbush occurs only in the Elim Fynbos to the east of Elim. It is threatened by agriculture, which has destroyed most of its habitat, and by alien invasive plants, which threaten 82% of its populations. Fortunutely for all plant lovers, this species occurs in the nature reserve just outside of Elim. Flowering in winter, the Bashful Sugarbush keeps its seeds on the plant and only releases them after it is killed by fire. The seeds germinate after the winter rains, and the plants take 3-4 years to flower. Considering how rare it is, it is surprising that it has so many common names: Creeping Protea, Groundrose Sugarbush, Minor Protea, Aardroos, Kleinsuikerbos, Minor, Ranksuikerbos, Skaamblommetjie, Skaamgesiggie, Skaamsuikerbos. Obviously, its fame and popularity extend well beyound Elim. Visit the nature reserve and see this plant for yourself. It is part of our floral and cultural heritage. It is thus the ideal flagship for the conservation of our Agulhas plain heritage - the people, the plants, the wildlife: living together for a better future.