Ceratocaryum argenteum

Ceratocaryum argenteum, commonly known as silver arrowreed, is a species of plant in the Restionaceae family and is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa.

Description
The caespitose plants are 2-3 m tall and grow in coastal sands at elevations of 50-200 m above sea level. They flower throughout April and May. The plants release their tuberculate nut fruits in January.

Ecology
Ceratocaryum argenteum has an unusual seed dispersal strategy. It employs chemical compounds to deceive dung beetles, which treat the seeds as if they were true animal fecal matter. The beetles bury the seeds. This strategy of faecal mimicry is shared with another species, namely Ceratocaryum pulchrum. The seeds are not consumed or gathered by rodents. Their strategy of adaption to wildfires is to re-grow from seeds after such fires occur.

Distribution
This species is native to the southwestern Cape Provinces of South Africa, from Albertinia to Paarl.

Taxonomy
It is the sister species of Ceratocaryum pulchrum.