Life cycle of bitou

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The life cycle of bitou bush is very similar to other plants. Starting from a seed it grows quickly into a seedling. After a year the bitou produces many yellow daisy-like flowers. These flowers are pollinated by insects and produce many seeds. The seeds are covered in a dark berry that birds and other animals like foxes find attractive. The seeds pass through the digestive system of the animals and are deposited in a new spot along with the faeces of the animals. This gives the seeds a burst of fertiliser from the start. If the berries are not eaten they just fall underneath the existing plant and may remain dormant until something disturbs the surroundings. When the adult plants are burnt or removed the ground underneath quickly fills up with juvenile plants to replace the adult.