King protea
The plant is very drought-tolerant and has spectacular, oversized flowers pollinated by birds.
National flower of South Africa
The king protea has got its name because of its huge inflorescences that may be up to 30 cm in diameter. For this reason, it has been named South Africa's national flower.
Pollination
The flowers are pollinated by birds. When the birds visit the flowers to drink nectar, they get brushed with pollen, which they then pass on to the next flowers.
Habitat and Distribution
King protea grows in the special and extremely species-rich bushlands of the Cape region. It is adapted to a typical Mediterranean climate with very dry and hot summers where fires are frequent.
Drought- and fire-resistance
The leaves are thick and leathery to reduce loss of water. The root is a long, thick taproot that can fetch water deep down in the ground. Furthermore, it has a thick underground stem from which it can resprout after a fire.
Fact box:
- Greenhouse location: Mediterranean house
- Danish name: Konge-protea
- Latin name: Protea cynaroides
- Family: Protea family / Proteaceae
- Natural habitat: South Africa