Protea

Ever wonder why this exotic family of flowers and foliage was named Protea? It was Carl Linnaeus, a famous Swedish botanist, who in 1735 classified Proteas. He named them all after the legendary Greek sea god, Proteus, who could change his size and shape at will. He of course, was referring to the surprising diversity of the Protea's flowers and foliage as well as their size and growth habits. There are many examples of this diversity among the different species such as Leucadendron and Leucospermum (Pincushions), however, today we will look at a few of the different Protea .

Pictured here is the well - known Protea Cynaroides or Protea King.

This gorgeous bloom is Protea Ivy.

Protea Grandicep, the Princess, has very distinctive flowers and foliage.

It is important to note, that there are also many intriguing differences in both size and coloring amongst those flowers shown here. Protea is truly a large and interesting family with many species and subspecies, a family well worth exploring. What are some of your favorite Protea?