Protea cynaroides

The king protea, in Latin Protea cynaroides, is the floral emblem of South Africa. It is a delicate, but spectacular and fascinating perennial shrub. This botanical species produces floral heads in the shape of large flared cups, formed by pink and velvety bracts surrounding a heart of powdery pink flowers with white. Flowering takes place from April to October, depending on the climate, and the flowers are very long-lasting in dried bouquets. Cultivation in large pots is essential except in very mild areas.

The king protea is a perennial shrub of the protea family. Widely distributed in South Africa, it varies in colour and shape, adapting to many mountain environments without frost. The plant, with sucker roots, develops multiple thick stems, branching from the base. It will reach between 40 cm and 1.20 m in height, and will slowly spread over time. The stems bear, at the end of long red petioles, alternate, elongated and pointed, leathery leaves, which can absorb atmospheric moisture. Flowering takes place from April to October. The inflorescences are large heads, carried at the terminal part of each branch. They measure 12 to 30 cm in diameter. Mature and well-established plants are capable of producing up to ten heads per season. The flower buds resemble magnificent artichokes with pearly scales. The head opens and the bright pink and velvety bracts unfold to a velvety, white to pink, powdery plateau. This flowering attracts many pollinating insects and gives way to some velvety seeds almost as large as walnuts. The thick roots of this protea also serve as a storage organ. In case of fire, it is capable of regenerating from its roots, nourished by its own ashes.