Proteas

Displaying an amazing range of colours, shapes and sizes, proteas are known worldwide for their striking flowers. 82 Protea species are found in South Africa. 69 of these occur nowhere else.

Proteas are adapted to fire; their thick, deep roots have buds which sprout new stems through the scorched earth. Such fires replenish the poor soils on which proteas grow.

These woody shrubs have vivid, long-lasting flower-heads – these are actually a mass of small flowers surrounded not by petals but by colourful bracts.

Did you know?
The King Protea (Protea cynaroides) is South Africa’s national flower Proteas are also known as ‘sugarbushes’
They were named after the shape-shifting Greek god Proteus
Proteas are related to banksias in Australia.

Back up to: temperate house plants

On to: Encephalartos woodii