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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE PROTEA FAMILY

There are around 1700 species and 79 genera of plants in the Proteaceae (Protea) family, and most are indigenous to the southern hemisphere. Around half of these species come from Australia and a quarter from southern Africa.

Protea is internationally, one of the best-known and most widely grown genera from the Proteaceae family. Proteas originate in southern Africa and many species are known and grown for their large colourful flower heads.

This book focuses mostly on Proteas, but also considers some of the other Proteaceae genera that are more widely cultivated.

History & include Central and South America which have about 90 species. The New Guinea Distribution islands have about 45 species. A smaller number of species are found in South The name ‘Protea’ was first published East Asia, New Caledonia and New in 1735 by the famous botanist Carl Zealand, and mainland New Guinea. Linnaeus who referred to the genus now known as Leucadendron. Linnaeus was Many Australian native genera belong impressed by the diversity of these plants to the Proteaceae family including: and named them after the Greek sea god Grevillea, Hakea, Banksia, Dryandra, Proteus who was believed to be able to Stenocarpus, Dryandra, Isopogon, change his form at will. The Proteaceae Persoonia, Conospermum, Franklandia, family includes many prized garden plants. and Petrophile.

South African Proteaceae plants are Closely related South African genera mostly from the Cape Province region, are often included when people talk but also come from north to central loosely about the Protea, including Africa extending to tropical areas. Leucospermum and Leucadendron. These are commonly grown alongside The genus ‘Protea’ consists of around Proteas by nurseries which specialise 100 species of shrubs and small trees. in growing Proteas, or Protea cut-flower growers, due to their similar cultural Other regions of the southern hemisphere requirements. However, strictly speaking where Proteaceae plants may be found they are not Proteas.

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leucospermum cordifolium

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Characteristics normally arranged alternately (rarely opposite) or scattered on the stem. Most Proteaceae family members share the following characteristics: ■■ Most grow continuously all year round in mild climates (some have a ■■ Flowers are tetramerous (i.e. made short dormant period over summer). up of four similar parts or segments). ■■ Most have proteoid roots (these ■■ What usually appears to be a single are a type of root which is able to flower is actually a combination absorb nutrients from soils which of many small flowers clustered have very low levels of nutrients together to create a flower head. where other types of roots would There are therefore individual not be able to absorb nutrients). flowers within each flower head. Proteaceae plants will grow on relatively infertile soils, and in fact ■■ Individual flowers typically have the some do not tolerate fertile soils. following components: ■■ There tends to be a great deal 1. Four tepals – these are outer of variation within a species in segments of a flower that may terms of the appearance of the appear like a petal but in reality flower, foliage and growth habit. cannot be distinguished between Proteaceae plants include ground being either a petal or sepal. cover plants, through to small and large shrubs and tall trees. 2. The tepals are enclosed in a valvate bud (valvate is where the ■■ Molecular analysis shows that edges of the scales enclosing Proteaceae is closely related to the the bud are butting up to each family Platanaceae (Plane Trees). other without overlapping).

3. Four basifixed stamens. Naming of

4. A single carpel (i.e. female Proteaceae Plants structure) in each flower. Occasionally, you may discover that the ■■ In some species, male and female same plant appears to have two different parts can be on separate plants. scientific names. If there is a good argument for both being valid, whether ■■ Leaves are thick and leathery - in the past or present, the two names this type of foliage allows them to may be considered to be synonyms (i.e. withstand water stress better than they are interchangeable because they many other types of plants. They refer to the same plant species). A plant are likely to be wind-resistant and synonym may sometimes be written tolerant of dry air conditions (i.e. using the abbreviation “syn.” in brackets low humidity). Leaf shape can vary after the plant name e.g. Protea aurea from genus to genus but leaves are (syn. P. longifolia).

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There are a number of official bodies, Herbariums are centres where plant each with arguable credibility, that control naming is managed. These are often the naming of Proteaceae species and, in attached to botanic gardens and tend some cases, other plants. to operate with authority from their government to manage plant naming in These various bodies may authorise new that jurisdiction. names when a new species or cultivar is encountered and, sometimes, they may Major horticultural bodies such as the authorise a change in an existing plant Royal Horticultural Society in the UK, or name. These bodies do largely agree nursery industry associations, also have with each other, but not always. a great deal of influence upon what plant names are used and promoted within You may sometimes encounter what their area of influence. Sometimes these appears to be a conflict in plant naming bodies might not adopt changes to plant within literature that was written in names made by academics. the past or which was written by plant experts who are not fully up to date Despite the apparent potential for with taxonomic changes. Conflicts may confusion in the world of plant names also arise where one plant naming there is, in reality, a great deal of authority opposes a name alteration that agreement amongst the majority of is accepted by another. These various these authorities most of the time. It authorities include: is however important to appreciate that there can be, and always will be, ■■ The International Proteaceae occasional conflicts in naming plants. Register and Checklist - a body that If you are able to appreciate these operates out of South Africa and difficulties, then it ought to mean that which deals with all Proteaceae one should never be too pedantic about plants that are not indigenous to the subject. Australia.

■■ The Australian Cultivar Registration Culture Authority - an Australian based body dealing with all plants indigenous to Australia, including Proteaceae. There are a range of things that are generally common to Proteaceae plants. ■■ The International Botanical These include: Congress (IBC) - manages the naming of plants amongst botanists ■■ Most need good drainage and can around the world. be susceptible to poor drainage.

■■ The International Horticultural ■■ Many are good as cut flowers. Congress - manages the naming of plants amongst horticulturists ■■ Many have a lot of nectar produced internationally, and sometimes in the flowers; which in turn makes comes into conflict with the IBC. them attractive to birds, insects and some other wildlife.

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■■ Many can be pruned relatively hard, and if healthy will grow back strongly.

■■ In appropriate conditions, most Proteaceae will live well beyond fifteen years - some, although only a minority, will live beyond 100 years.

■■ Many will grow well without a high level of soil fertility - but there are exceptions.

■■ Most will propagate from seed - many will also propagate from cuttings.

Protea Christine Protea CV Bushfire

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