Protea - Timeless Treasures

Dramatic Proteas are one of the world’s oldest flowering plants. Rock fossils indicate ancient forms flourished in Gondwana nearly 300 million years ago! Today over 100 species and a multitude of hybrids still thrive in many places on the Earth and are honoured as the national flower of South Africa. These are hardy survivors who have out-manoeuvred at least five world mass extinctions.

They have survived the arid dry conditions of the Permian and Triassic Period deserts on Pangaea, trampling Dinosaurs, legions of hungry herbavores, volcanic eruptions with their toxic air, acid rain plus the ensuring intense Ultraviolet solar radiation plus even meteor impacts that wiped out nearly everything else. With a nearly indestructible reputation for vigorous growth, prolific flowering and an unbeatable record for survival, it is remarkable how many of these timeless treasures perish in gardens each year.