How do I know if I have Proteaceae?
Inflorescences 7-flowered heads consisting of a central terminal flower surrounded by a ring of 6 flowers which in turn are surrounded by a conspicuous involucre; flowers red; fruit a woody follicle bearing 2 conspicuous lateral, subterminal horns.
What is Proteaceae used for?
Many traditional cultures have used Proteaceae as sustenance, medicine, for curing animal hides, as a source of dyes, firewood and as wood for construction.
Are Proteaceae mycorrhizal?
Most Proteaceae species are assumed to be non-mycorrhizal, but R. montana presents a mycorrhizal association in its roots with Paris-type hyphal coils and no cluster roots.
Are Proteaceae native to Australia?
The Proteaceae family of plants is incredibly diverse. Spread across the southern hemisphere, it is most commonly found in Australia and the southern regions of Africa. Australian native Proteaceae include Hakeas, Banksias, Macadamias, and Grevilleas, as well as the Waratah.
What is a superior ovary?
A superior ovary is an ovary attached to the receptacle above the attachment of other floral parts. A superior ovary is found in types of fleshy fruits such as true berries, drupes, etc. A flower with this arrangement is described as hypogynous.
How do cluster roots benefit a plant?
They enhance nutrient uptake, possibly by chemically modifying the soil environment to improve nutrient solubilisation. As a result, plants with proteoid roots can grow in soil that is very low in nutrients, such as the phosphorus-deficient native soils of Australia.
Are proteaceae native to Australia?
Are Proteas native to New Zealand?
A member of the Protaeceae family – there are currently some 73 genera, and more than 1,5000 species, Protea neriifolia, was New Zealand’s most well-known protea in cultivation. Two New Zealand natives, Knightia excelsa, or rewarewa, and Torania toru are Proteaceaea relics of our Gondwanaland ancestry.
Are Waratahs Proteas?
The iconic South African plant, the protea, and the quintessential Australian plant, the waratah both belong to the Proteaceae family. The waratah is very similar with a symmetrical head of tubular flowers framed by spectacular red bracts. Both plants also have similar leathery leaves.
What are the characteristics of the family Proteaceae?
Family Proteaceae. Characteristics. can be small shrubs, ground covers or large trees. leaves are tough and leathery. flower heads are made up of a number of small flowers. The flowers are made up of petal-like tepals which are united. Each flower has four stamens (male parts) and a long, protruding carpel (female part).
Where are the Proteaceae found in South Africa?
In southern Africa the highest concentration and diversity of Proteaceae is found in the Western Cape. Outside this area plants are mostly found on mountainous or hilly terrain in the eastern and northern parts of the country. Leucadendron, Leucospermum, Mimetes, Protea, Serruria. Woody shrubs or trees.
What kind of birds eat Proteaceae flowers?
The large, usually solitary, terminal flowers of these genera, and their predominant colors of creamy white, and blends of yellow, orange, and red, colors birds are attracted to, are probably adaptations to pollination by the Cape Sugarbird, Promerops cafer, and other nectar eating native birds.
How are the leaves of a Protea plant adapted?
The leaf anatomy is specially adapted for water conservation and drought resistance. These characteristics and the high leaf carbon to nitrogen ratio render the leaves indigestible to most insect pests (Rebelo 1995), accounting for the relatively pest-free status of most commercial protea plantings.