Giant Protea
Protea cynaroides (L.) L.
Protea cynaroides, known as the Giant Protea or king protea, is a flowering plant in the Proteaceae family. It is native to the fynbos region of South Africa, particularly the southwestern and southern parts of the Western Cape. The species is notable for having the largest flower head in the Protea genus. It is the national flower of South Africa and is also found in Madeira and other global regions.
Description
Protea cynaroides (L.) L. is a member of the Proteaceae family and is distinguished by its large flower head, the largest among Protea species. Common names include Giant Protea, king protea, honeypot, and king sugar bush. The plant is native to the fynbos region of the Western Cape in South Africa. It was first described in 1771. The species has a broader distribution that includes Madeira and is cultivated in other parts of the world. The name Protea was conserved against earlier names, including Protea Linnaeus (1753) and Lepidocarpus Adans. (1763).
Other common names
king proteaGiant ProteaMountain Rose
Distribution
Madeira · Global · Cape Provinces
Synonyms
Protea cyclophyllaProtea eriolepisProtea woodwardiiScolymocephalus cynarodesErodendrum cynaraeflorum
