Common Sugarbush

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Protea caffra

The evergreen Common Sugarbush grows up to 4m high (rarely up to 8m), growing on the slopes of rocky, grassy hills and mountains up to 2,100m above sea level and often forming extensive, dominant stands, especially on south-facing slopes. The Sugarbush bears its large flower heads in spring and summer – these are so rich in nectar that they’re the reason for this shrub’s common name. In South Africa, the Common Sugarbush is found in Kwazulu-Natal and on the Highveld and is the most widely distributed member of the genus Protea. There’s also an isolated population on the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Common Sugarbush
Common Sugarbush
Common Sugarbush – new growth
Common Sugarbush “fruit/nut”
Common Sugarbush “fruit/nut”
Common Sugarbush
Common Sugarbush
Common Sugarbush dot a hillside below Thendele in Royal Natal National Park
Sugarbush
Female Greater Double-collared Sunbird visiting a Common Sugarbush
Common Sugarbush bud (photo by Joubert)
Common Sugarbush
Common Sugarbush
Common Sugarbush
Common Sugarbush dot a hillside at Giant’s Castle

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