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.[1]
The caespitose plants are NaNm (-2,147,483,648feet) tall and grow in coastal sands at elevations of NaNm (-2,147,483,648feet) above sea level. They flower throughout April and May. The plants release their tuberculate nut fruits in January.[2]
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.[3] This strategy of faecal mimicry is shared with another species, namely Ceratocaryum pulchrum.[4] The seeds are not consumed or gathered by rodents.[5] Their strategy of adaption to wildfires is to re-grow from seeds after such fires occur.
This species is native to the southwestern Cape Provinces of South Africa, from Albertinia to Paarl.
It is the sister species of Ceratocaryum pulchrum.