Protea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Protea |
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| Protea lepidocarpodendron x neriifolia | |
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Proteaceae
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Proteoideae
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Protea
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The Protea is a beautiful flower, often called the giant Protea or Protea cynaroides. It belongs to a very old plant family called Proteaceae. This family is so ancient that it split into two main groups, or subfamilies, about 140 million years ago! This happened even before the supercontinent Gondwanaland broke apart.
Both of these subfamilies, the Proteoideae and the Grevilleoideae, are mostly found in the southern half of the world. In southern Africa, there are about 360 different types of Protea plants. Most of these, over 330 species, grow only in a special area called the Cape Floral Kingdom. This area stretches from Nieuwoudtville in the northwest to Grahamstown in the east.
The Protea cynaroides is part of the Protea group, which has more than 92 different species, subspecies, and varieties. Other well-known plants in the Proteaceae family include the Leucospermum, which has bright "pincushion" flowers. There's also the Leucadendron, known for its yellow or reddish-brown leaves. Another one is the Serruria, and its "Blushing Bride" variety with pale pink flowers is popular in wedding bouquets. Plants from the Grevilleoideae subfamily are mostly found in Australia. The Protea cynaroides is very special because it is the national flower of South Africa.
The Protea flower got its name from the Greek god Proteus. This god could change his shape whenever he wanted. The Protea plant has many different sizes, ways of growing, and flower colors. This variety reminded people of Proteus. The flower bud of Protea cynaroides looks a lot like a vegetable called the globe artichoke. Its Latin name is Cynara scolymus. This is why the botanist Linnaeus gave the Protea its species name, cynaroides.
How Proteas Grow
Protea plants have a very interesting way of growing, especially after a fire. When a wildfire happens, it helps the Protea. The seeds of this national flower are kept safe inside a hard shell. This shell can stay tightly closed for almost 20 years!
The shell only opens up after it has been scorched by fire. Once the fire is over, the light, fluffy seeds are released. The wind then blows these seeds to the ground. There, they can begin to grow into new Protea plants. This amazing process helps the Protea survive and thrive in its natural environment.
Images for kids
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Protea caffra, the common protea
See also
In Spanish: Protea para niños
