Proteales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Proteales
Protea cynaroides
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
Order:	Proteales Dumort. (1829)
Families
Nelumbonaceae (lotus) Platanaceae (plane trees) Proteaceae

Proteales is the scientific name for a group of flowering plants. In biology, an "order" is a way to classify living things that are related. Scientists agree that these plants belong together in this order.

What are Proteales?

Proteales is an order of plants that includes some very interesting and ancient species. These plants are part of the Angiosperms, which are plants that produce flowers and seeds inside a fruit. They are also Eudicots, a large group of flowering plants known for having two seed leaves when they sprout.

Families in Proteales

The Proteales order is made up of three main families. Each family has its own unique plants:

Nelumbonaceae

This family includes the famous Lotus plants. Lotuses are beautiful aquatic (water) plants. They have large, round leaves that float on the water and stunning flowers.

• The most well-known species are the Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and the American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea).
• Lotus plants are often found in ponds and slow-moving rivers.
• Their seeds and roots are sometimes used as food.

Platanaceae

This family is best known for the Plane trees, also called Sycamores in North America. These are large, tall trees.

• Plane trees are common in cities because they can handle pollution well.
• They have distinctive bark that peels off in patches, showing different colors underneath.
• Their leaves are large and look a bit like maple leaves.
• You can often see their spiky, ball-shaped fruits hanging from the branches.

Proteaceae

This is a very diverse family with many different types of plants. They are mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Plants in the Proteaceae family include shrubs and trees.
• They are famous for their unique and often very showy flowers.
• One of the most famous plants from this family is the Protea, especially the King Protea (Protea cynaroides), which is the national flower of South Africa.
• Other well-known plants include Banksias and Grevilleas from Australia.
• Many Proteaceae plants are adapted to dry climates and poor soils.

Where Do Proteales Grow?

Plants from the Proteales order are found all over the world, but some families are more common in certain areas:

• Nelumbonaceae (Lotus) plants grow in tropical and temperate regions, especially in Asia and North America.
• Platanaceae (Plane trees) are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, like North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Proteaceae plants are mainly found in the Southern Hemisphere. They are very common in Australia, South Africa, and South America.

Why Are Proteales Important?

These plants are important for several reasons:

• Ecology: They provide food and shelter for many animals, including insects, birds, and small mammals. Some, like the Proteaceae, are important for biodiversity in their native habitats.
• Human Use:
  • Lotus plants are used for food, medicine, and as symbols in many cultures.
  • Plane trees are popular ornamental trees in parks and along streets because they are hardy and provide good shade.
  • Many Proteaceae plants are grown for their beautiful flowers, which are popular in bouquets and gardens.