|Mimetes cucullatus floral detail|
What in the world?! Is it some sort of Tarantula? No. It’s a new form of beauty. Old world avant-garde for those seeking something a little different in their floral flair. Welcome to the world of Mimetes cucullatus also commonly known as the Common Pagoda or Rooistompie (meaning ‘Red Stump’). This south african term is derived from the stump or stumps of this plant left after a fire and the new red growth that sprouts from it. Mimetes cucullatus comes to us from the southwestern climes of South Africa’s Cape Province. It’s in the Protea family and has not spent much time in the floral limelight. Well, now is its time to shine.
|Mimetes cucullatus flower + form|
Mimetes cucullatus, the name Mimetes is derived from the greek term for ‘mimic’, is an upright, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide. It produces multiple stems of bushy growth. New growth is blushed in tones that range from bright red to rich rosé. Now, for those that are familiar with other protea this characteristic may seem familiar. This shrub’s characteristics are quite similar to those of some Leucadendrons and Leucospermums, however, there is one strikingly unique difference. The distinctive flower heads of this shrub are more like a hybrid version of the previous genera. Like Leucadendrons, they produce vividly colored bracts. Like Leucospermums, they produce pin-like styles. The difference is that the flowers of Mimetes cucullatus are produces directly below a leaf and emerge from a cylindrical hood. Singly, the flowers are not much to write home about but, clustered in a colorful comb, terminally at the tops of stems, they resemble the fiery fantastical flames of a torch. The look is seductively sophisticated and up until now been rarely seen by most plant lovers.
|Mimetes cucullatus details|
Mimetes cucullatus likes full sun locations, light, free-draining but moisture-rentative soil, regular water, and is hardy down to around 25 degrees fahrenheit/-3 degrees celsius. It loves coastal conditions and benefits from pruning, which will keep you in red new growth year-round as well as give you some pretty cool floral cuttings. Also, as it is in the Protea family, it does not like to be fertilized with phosphorus. Results can be deadly. It is indeed a plant with a unique mystique and a dandy physique. For those of you wanting your own try Annies Annuals or Australian Native Plants Nursery. Tell ‘em The Plant Provocateur sent you!
I’d never heard about the Protea’s not liking phosphorus. Do you have any idea why the plants react to it?
Hey Chris. Proteas grow in habitat soils low in nutrients, as a result, they don’t tolerate regular levels of phosphorus. Now, I’ve been told you can fertilize with trace levels of phosphorus. I’ve found that even doing this leads to noticeable damage on my proteas. These plants have evolved in a way such that they can process most of the nutrients they need from low nutrient soils. I have yet to find a sufficient fertilizer for these plants. I do know that proteas like acid soil situations, excellent drainage, and hate hate hate being waterlogged.
Finding an online source for proteas and banksias is SOOOO difficult! I didn’t realize Annie’s Annuals carried the former (although M.cucullatus is currently unavailable)
If you have a line on anyplace other than Australian Plants Nursery that might sell banksia, please let me know?!
Great photography on your blog…I just randomly found you via googling “strophanthus” and am thrilled i did! I’m following you!
Thanks Karen! I’m so glad you found me. Been trying to get the word out to the world. I know of several nurseries in California who sell Banksia but unfortunately don’t do mail order. I’m working on creating a list to get more plant lovers connected to great resources.