Serruria elongata, or long-stalk spiderhead, is a fragrant, 0.5–1.5m tall shrublet endemic to the South-Western Cape, featuring clustered, silky-haired pink flower heads on long, 50–300 mm stalks. It inhabits dry, rocky sandstone slopes, blooming from July to November, and is considered Near Threatened due to habitat loss.
Key Features and Characteristics
Appearance: A single-stemmed, erect, hairless shrub that branches near the base.
Flowers: The inflorescence consists of 2–25, sometimes up to 25, small, globe-shaped headlets, with each headlet containing 15–25 pink flowers.
Fragrance: Produces a strong, sweet scent that intensifies at night.
Leaves: Finely divided, dissected leaves, 50–70 mm wide, which are whorled around the base of the peduncle.
Structure: The flower head is held on a very long, naked peduncle (stalk) that can reach 300 mm in length.
Flowering Time: Midwinter to early summer (July to November).
Habitat and Ecology
Location: Found on mountain slopes in the southwestern Cape, ranging from Cape Agulhas to the Riviersonderend Mountains.
Environment: Grows in dry, stony, well-drained soil in full sun.
Ecology: Mature plants are killed by fire, with survival relying on seed banks. Seeds are dispersed by ants, which take them to underground nests.
Pollination: Insect-pollinated.
Conservation Status
Status: Near Threatened.
Threats: Approximately 26% of its habitat has been destroyed by urbanization, agriculture, and invasive alien plants.
Cultivation and Use
Appearance in the Wild: It is known for its elegant, "frosted" look due to the short, silvery, silky hairs on the flowers.
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