Pincushion Protea - Very Rare Flower

                         

  Nurseries in Israel, California, Hawaii, Zimbabwe, Australia and New Zealand produce large amount of cut flowers of hybrids and cultivars of this South African plant. In South Africa it is a popular garden plant as well as a much-used cut flower.An added attraction during flowering time are the numerous birds found near the plants. In the early hours of the morning the abundant nectar flow attracts a variety of small insects, which in turn attract the Cape Sugar bird and three species of Sunbird. These insectivorous birds consume the small insects as well as the nectar, and in the process transfer pollen from one flower to the next. The flowers are not self-pollinating and depend on the small Scarab beetles and the birds for pollination. The birds are accustomed to the visitors in the Gardens and provide great photo opportunities when feeding on the flowers.The latin named Leucospermum are long lasting flowers of the Proteaceae family available in tones of red, orange and yellow.


All members of the Protea family are woody shrubs or trees.  The leaves, which can be seen in the image above, are hard and leathery (sclerophyllous).  The worldwide popularity of the Proteas has resulted in many hybrids and cultivars being produced
to supply the cut-flower market.  Most are grown in nurseries in Israel, California and Australia.