Phaenocoma prolifera

The Cape strawflower or everlasting as Phaenocoma prolifera is commonly known is an erect, single-stemmed shrublet reaching 60 cm in height. It is the only plant in its genus. This species reseeds after fire, does not resprout, as do the shrubs that grow several stems from ground level. 

The plant produces multicoloured flowerheads of 2,5 cm in diameter. Blooming happens from spring to autumn. 

The species distribution is in the south of the Western Cape, from the Cape Peninsula along the mountain ranges northwards to Ceres and eastwards to Ladismith and the Outeniqua Mountains.

The habitat is coastal and montane fynbos slopes in sandstone. The species is not considered threatened in habitat early in the twenty first century (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).