The representatives of the Proteaceae family are admired. Four hundred kinds of excellent beauties, so different and mysterious. Looking at them, it was no accident that the great taxonomist Carl Linnaeus remembered a sea deity named Proteus, who can take on different forms at will.
So are Protea flowers - so many-sided! Some of them look like bright magic pots filled with the sweetest nectar. Others appear as silvery trees, others appear as leathery pincushions.
Exotic proteas originate from South Africa. The Cape Province, in southern Africa, has more than 400 of its species, most of which are represented in the form of shrubs and perennial herbs. One of the desert beauties - Royal Protea - looks great on the coat of arms of South Africa.
Protein characteristics
Protea flowers like to "group" to protect themselves from strong dry winds. So they protect their soil from overheating and retain moisture inside it. And they also have receptacles for water on their underground organs. We must also pay tribute to the adaptive nature of many species of this family for pollination by vertebrates (bats, birds, small climbingmammals).
South Africa can be called a real paradise for proteas. Here they delight the local population and visitors with their year-round flowering. Some bloom in summer, others reveal their fabulous bright flowers from five to thirty centimeters in diameter in autumn, and others in spring and winter. The unusual and original appearance of the cone-shaped flowers of the protea is due not to the flowers themselves, but to their leafy wrappers, painted in yellow, hot pink, blue-pink colors.
Proteas conquered both Australian and American flower growers with their color range. They flaunt in various parks, in the corners of botanical gardens, and many daring flower breeders plant entire plantations with proteas. Most of the grown varieties are destined for export to European countries.
Proteas in bouquets
And florists adore the original Protea flowers. They are excellent cut and keep their attractiveness well for three weeks. Fabulous white proteas are used in chic bridal bouquets. It is customary to present it to self-confident and purposeful people. The majesty of a large expressive flower is emphasized by other composite plants that obey it.
Protea (flower) always plays the main role in floral interior compositions and bouquet ensembles. The price for it ranges from 800 rubles to three thousand. These African beauties also look great in dried bouquets. And in the room dominated by proteas, an attractive tropical atmosphere reigns.exotic.
The most spectacular protein
These African flowers enchant with originality and surprise with a variety of shapes and colors:
- Protea artichoke or "honey pot". A capitate, rather large inflorescence with a white center of the King Proteus is surrounded by bright pink petal wrappers. The sweetest nectar gathers inside the flower.
- Protea queen. The remarkable flowers are slightly smaller than the royal buds, have soft pink petals and a black centre.
- Compact neat bush has one of the endangered rare species - thistle protea.
- Protea large-headed. The cup-shaped inflorescences of this shrub protea are very fond of birds. They use their long beaks to extract nectar from flowers.
Home Protea Flowers
Protea is very capricious, and growing it at home is not so easy. The best plant for indoor cultivation is excellent protea or duchesse. It is an evergreen bush with heart-shaped leaves and large red-pink or pink flowers.
Protea needs to create the usual "African" conditions - a lot of sun and light (illumination is required on cloudy days). Roots want moist, slightly acidic soil. Good soil for azaleas. From fertilizers, give preference to acidified ones.
Protea blooms in the fifth or sixth year after planting seeds. African flowers are not susceptible to diseases.
