| The Giant
or King Protea is widely distributed in the south-western and
southern areas of the Western Cape, from the Cedarberg up to just
east of Grahamstown.
The artichoke-like appearance of the flower-heads of the King
Protea lead to the specific name ‘cynaroides’, which means ‘like
cynara’ (the artichoke). The name does not do justice to the
beautiful flower-heads of this protea, which is the largest in the
genus. A number of varieties in colour and leaf shapes are found,
but the most beautiful is the pink coloured flower.
Sources:
BROWNELL, F.G., Nasionale en
Provinsiale Simbole. 1993. Johannesburg: Chris van
Rensburg Publications. |