National flower of South Africa
Encyclopedia
The giant or king protea
(Protea cynaroides) is widely distributed in the south-western and southern areas of the Western Cape, from the Cedarberg up to just east of Grahamstown. South Africa
's national flower is the largest of the protea
s, which make up an important part of the Cape Floral Region, a major global biodiversity hotspot
and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The proteas also give their name to South Africa's national cricket team.
King protea
The King Protea is a flowering plant. It is a distinctive Protea, having the largest flower head in the genus. The species is also known as Giant Protea, Honeypot or King Sugar Bush...
(Protea cynaroides) is widely distributed in the south-western and southern areas of the Western Cape, from the Cedarberg up to just east of Grahamstown. South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
's national flower is the largest of the protea
Protea
Protea is both the botanical name and the English common name of a genus of flowering plants, sometimes also called sugarbushes.-Etymology:...
s, which make up an important part of the Cape Floral Region, a major global biodiversity hotspot
Biodiversity hotspot
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is under threat from humans.The concept of biodiversity hotspots was originated by Norman Myers in two articles in “The Environmentalist” , revised after thorough analysis by Myers and others in...
and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The proteas also give their name to South Africa's national cricket team.