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King protea Facts

King protea Facts
King protea is woody shrub that belongs to the protea family. It originates from South Africa. King protea can be found in scrublands (from the sea level to the altitude of nearly 5.000 feet). It grows in areas with dry, hot summers and cold winters, on the well-drained, poor soil, exposed to direct sunlight. Habitat destruction due to urbanization and accelerated development of agriculture, suppression of wildfires and introduction of new plant species are major threats for the survival of king proteas in the wild. Luckily, king protea is very popular and often cultivated in gardens, nurseries and greenhouses.
Interesting King protea Facts:
King protea develops few thick stems that can reach 3 feet in height.
King protea has flattened, paddle-shaped leaves. They are leathery, thick and dark green in color. Leaves have long petioles and they are alternately arranged on the stem.
King protea gets all the water it needs from the fog. Leaves absorb moist which collects on their surface.
King protea develops 6 to 10 bowl-shaped flower heads that consist of numerous small, tubular-shaped flowers. They can be pink or crimson-colored and surrounded with large, stiff, pointed bracts (modified petals-like leaves). Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). Inner part of the flower head is filled with numerous white stamens oriented toward the center. Flower head can reach 12 inches in diameter and it looks like large artichoke.
King protea blooms during the warm period of year. Flowers are rich source of nectar which attracts sunbirds, sugar birds, honeybees, monkey beetles, rove beetles and scarab beetles, which are responsible for the pollination of this plant.
Fruit of king protea is cone filled with large hairy nut.
Wildfires facilitate drying of cones and release of seed. Wind plays role in dispersal of seed, while rain during the autumn triggers germination.
King protea tolerates wildfires thanks to thick underground stem filled with numerous dormant buds (which start to sprout shortly after the fire).
Birds and mammals like to eat seed of king protea.
Leaves of king protea can be consumed in the form of tea.
There are 81 varieties of king protea. They differ in the color of the flowers and morphology of leaves. King protea with pink bracts that have silvery sheen is the most commonly cultivated.
King protea is named after the Greek god Proteus, who was able to appear in numerous forms, just like this plant (morphology of the plant depends on the area where it grows).
King protea has long vase life. Dried plant can be used for the preparation of various floral arrangements.
King protea is national flower of South Africa. National cricket team of South Africa is known as "the Proteas".
King protea is perennial plant that can survive 15 years in the wild.


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