
King Protea ( Protea Cynaroides )

by Science Photo Library
Title
King Protea ( Protea Cynaroides )
Artist
Science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Flower of the King Protea, Protea cynaroides, a native of South Africa, and the national flower of South Africa. The flower" is a complex inflorescence, consisting of a ring of stamens surrounding a central boss comprised of stigmas. The "petals" - here pink, are in fact floral bracts.P. cynaroides is adapted to fire by the development of a swollen underground stem called a lignotuber, a structure shared with many eucalyptus species. Following a catastrophic fire event, the lignotuber produces new shoots which grow to produce a replacement plant. Protea flowers are nectar-rich and are pollinated by birds in their native habitat. This picture was taken in Victoria Australia, where the flowers are commonly visited by bees."
Uploaded
August 4th, 2016
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