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(Mimetes cucullatus)
Common Pagoda (Mimetes cucullatus)
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Nicola van Berkel
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Nicola van Berkel
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nicola van Berkel | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nicola van Berkel | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-05-15T16:02:05-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Mimetes cucullatus, commonly known as Common Pagoda, is an evergreen shrub native to the fynbos region within the South African Cape Provinces, where it thrives in mountainous areas with winter rainfall and nutrient-poor soils. It typically grows to 1–2 m (3–7 ft) in height and features a firm woody tuber from which several stems arise. The plant is characterized by its striking inflorescence, which is cylindrical, measuring 6–10 cm (2½–4 in) long and 4–7 cm (1⅔–2 in) in diameter. The inflorescence is topped by a tuft of small, upright, narrowly egg-shaped leaves that are predominantly scarlet, with some yellow and green at the base, or occasionally entirely yellow with a green base. Soft orange forms also exist. Each flower head contains four to seven flowers and is subtended by a fiddle-shaped leaf that bends away from the stem, creating a cowl over the lower flower head.
The Common Pagoda is admired for its unique and beautiful appearance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts of indigenous plants and wildlife gardens. Its resprouting ability after severe pruning makes it an excellent choice for cut-flower production. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade, medium water requirements, and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly used in large-scale landscaping, it can serve as an attractive feature in rockeries, fynbos gardens, and as a specimen plant in botanical collections. Gardeners should be aware that Mimetes cucullatus may require protection from frost and is best suited to Mediterranean climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Common Pagoda is admired for its unique and beautiful appearance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts of indigenous plants and wildlife gardens. Its resprouting ability after severe pruning makes it an excellent choice for cut-flower production. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade, medium water requirements, and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly used in large-scale landscaping, it can serve as an attractive feature in rockeries, fynbos gardens, and as a specimen plant in botanical collections. Gardeners should be aware that Mimetes cucullatus may require protection from frost and is best suited to Mediterranean climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6.5 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Green, Red
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Fynbos region within the South African Cape Provinces, particularly mountainous areas with winter rainfall and nutrient-poor soils
Other Names
Common Names: Rooistompie
Scientific Names: Mimetes cucullatus , Mimetes lyrigera , Mimetes lyriger , Leucadendron cucullatum , Mimetes schinzianus , Protea cucullata , Mimetes cucullatus f. laxa , Mimetes dregei , Mimetes laxifolius , Mimetes ludwigii , Mimetes mixtus
GBIF Accepted Name: Mimetes cucullatus (L.) R.Br.