Ceratocaryum

Ceratocaryum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Restionaceae
Genus: Ceratocaryum
Nees
Type species
Ceratocaryum argenteum
Nees ex Kunth.[1]

Ceratocaryum is a group of plants in the Restionaceae described as a genus in 1836.[1][2] The entire genus is endemic to Cape Province in South Africa.[3]

One species in this genus, Ceratocaryum argenteum, has an unusual seed dispersal method. Its berries mimic the appearance and smell of antelope droppings. This tricks dung beetles into gathering and burying them.[4][5]

Species[3]
  1. Ceratocaryum argenteum Nees ex Kunth
  2. Ceratocaryum caespitosum H.P.Linder
  3. Ceratocaryum decipiens (N.E.Br.) H.P.Linder
  4. Ceratocaryum fimbriatum (Kunth) H.P.Linder
  5. Ceratocaryum fistulosum Mast.
  6. Ceratocaryum persistens H.P.Linder
  7. Ceratocaryum pulchrum H.P.Linder
  8. Ceratocaryum xerophilum (Pillans) H.P.Linder

References

  1. 1 2 Tropicos, Ceratocaryum Nees
  2. ↑ Nees von Esenbeck, Christian Gottfried Daniel. 1836. Natural System of Botany 451.
  3. 1 2 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  4. ↑ http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/how-to-dupe-a-dung-beetle
  5. ↑ http://www.nature.com/articles/nplants2015141


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