Family: Proteaceae

Serruria florida, commonly known as the blushing bride, is a species of flowering plant in the Proteaceae family. It is native to the fynbos region of South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape. The plant is a small, evergreen shrub that typically grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It has finely divided, needle-like leaves and produces delicate, pink to white, feathery flowers in dense clusters, which give it a soft, almost bridal appearance—hence the name. Blushing bride is highly valued in the cut flower industry for its unique and attractive blooms. In the wild, Serruria florida is adapted to the fire-prone fynbos ecosystem, where fire plays a crucial role in its life cycle by stimulating seed germination. However, the species is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures. It is not currently reported to be naturalized outside its native range.

High Risk Traits:

• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-compatible (capable of self-fertilization and seed production)
  
• Reaches maturity in 15 months to 2 years
  
• Seeds dispersed by ants and through intentional cultivation
  
• Forms a persistent seed bank (stimulated to germinate by fire)

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization or invasiveness documented worldwide
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
  
• Dispersed by ants in its native range, which may limit dispersal in areas where effective ant dispersers are lacking