AFRICAN QUEEN

Fabulously regal in their infinite variety, proteas do so well in Australia they are often regarded as natives.

By JENNIFER STACKHOUSE

Our waratahs, banksias, grevilleas and hundreds of other native plants are classified in the large plant family Proteaceae. Most people think proteas are Australian natives, much like their close relatives waratah, banksia and grevillea. But proteas such as the popular cut flower ‘Pink Ice’, along with colourful leucadendrons and leucospermums, are native to South Africa. There is an Aussie link, so the story doesn’t end there. Our waratahs, banksias, grevilleas and hundreds of other native plants are classified in the large plant family Proteaceae, as are South African proteas. The plants in both countries share common ancestors from the time when Africa and Australia were part of an ancient landmass called Gondwana, which also included Antarctica, India and South America. Gondwana began to break apart during the Jurassic (about 180…

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Australian Country Homes (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 25

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