The Flower: The Proteaceae are an ancient family, probably one of the oldest
groups of flowering plants. Evidence of early ancestors of proteas was present
three hundred million years ago. Studies indicate that this family of
theSouthern Hemisphere was already divided into two sub-families:
Proteoideae,which is best represented in southern Africa, and Grevilleoideae,
which is concentrated in Australia. Protea is the name given by Linnaeus (a Swedish Botanist) who was so impressed
by what he saw that he resorted to the name of Greek God Proteas, who could at
will change his form “to those of beast who mock your grasp”. One can't imagine his confusion being confronted by an exotic Protea Cynaroides
(King Protea… the soft and delicate Serruria Florida (Blushing Bride), the
dainty pincushions of the Leucospermums, the slowly Protea Neriifolia
(MinkProtea), the bold Banksias of Australia, the fiery Waratah, and the
nectar-lader Grevilleas, to name but a few. All with the same basic flower and clearly of the same group, yet so
differentin form and size. Most of all of these beautiful flowers are commonly
known as PROTEAS. | 
Send an Email