Mimetes hirtus

Mimetes hirtus, commonly known as the marsh pagoda, is a single-stemmed, erect shrub that branches much and reaches heights from 1 m to 2,5 m. The older stems have smooth, reddish bark.

The species distribution is small in the south-western coastal area of the Western Cape, from the Cape Peninsula to Hangklip, Caledon and Elim.

The habitat is sandstone fynbos and peaty marshes, seeps and streambanks. The habitat population is deemed vulnerable, due to several factors including coastal development, agriculture, invasive exotic vegetation, flower harvesting and too frequent fires (Manning, 2009; Rebelo, 1995; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).