Protea Flower Etymology. For further uses see Protea disambiguation. Protea cynaroides also called the king protea is a flowering plant.
Coinage by Linnaeus after Proteus the Greek warden of sea beasts renowned for his ability to change shape -acea. 10012013 Protea one of the oldest families of flowers on earth dating back 300 million years was also named after Proteus son of Poseidon. Named after Proteus son of Poseidon who was known for change and transformation.
Any of a genus Protea of the family Proteaceae the protea family of African evergreen shrubs often grown as ornamentals for their showy bracts and dense flower heads.
In the same manner in which Proteus the sea god could change his shape the protea flower presents itself in an astounding variety of shapes sizes hues and textures to make up more than 1400 varieties. Named after Proteus son of Poseidon who was known for change and transformation. For further uses see Protea disambiguation. It is a distinctive member of Protea having the largest flower head in the genus.