Protea cynaroides

species of plant

Protea cynaroides (also known as king protea, giant protea, royal sugar bush, or honey pot) is a flower. [1] It is the largest member of the Protea genus and is part of the fynbos. The plant mainly grows in South Africa, particularly from the Cederberg to Port Elizabeth. The king protea is the national flower of South Africa. [2][3]

King protea in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

The shrub has more than one stem and grows up to 2 m in diameter and also up to 2 m high. It blooms throughout the year.

The plant sprouts again after a fire. The seeds are dispersed by the wind and the plant is unisexual. The activities of birds are responsible for its pollination. The plant grows in sandstone soil at altitudes of 0 - 1 500 m.

References change

  1. "Threatened Species Programme | SANBI Red List of South African Plants". redlist.sanbi.org. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  2. "Protea cynaroides | PlantZAfrica". pza.sanbi.org. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  3. "King Sugarbushes". www.proteaatlas.org.za. Retrieved 2020-08-14.