Mimetes hirtus (Marsh Pagoda) is an erect, single-stemmed, evergreen Proteaceae shrub (1.0–2.5 m) endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa. It is characterized by reddish bark, shaggy leaves, and bright yellow, red-tipped bracts enclosing 9–14 flower heads (pseudanthia) with long, red styles. It thrives in wet, marshy, or seeping zones, blooming from May to November. 
Key Details for Mimetes hirtus
Habitat & Ecology: Found in the Western Cape, primarily in wet, peaty, and sandy seeps, often in mountain fynbos. It is a fire-dependent species, and adult plants are killed by fire, relying on seed bank regeneration.
Appearance: Shrub with a single main stem, up to 2.5 m tall. Branches are covered with leaves that have white, woolly hairs (ciliate edges).
Flowers: The "brush type" inflorescences are in the axils of the upper leaves. They feature bright yellow bracts with red tips, long (50–55 mm) red styles, and prominent needle-shaped pollen presenters.
Pollination: Primarily pollinated by birds, particularly the Cape Sugarbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird.
Conservation Status: Red List of South African Plants lists the species as Endangered (formerly Vulnerable), threatened by habitat loss due to development, invasive alien plants, and reduced water levels.
Ant Interaction: Seeds are released after fire, and ants are responsible for dispersing them to underground nests, protecting them from heat and predators. 
This species is also known as the Marsh Pagoda-Bush and requires nutrient-poor, acidic soils to thrive. ( AI Overview )

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