Protein flowers - South African beauties with a tropical character

Aroused admiration of the representative of the family of the proteaceae. Four hundred kinds of beautiful beauties, so different and mysterious. Looking at them, the great taxonomist Carl Linnaeus did not accidentally recall a sea god named Proteus, who at his own will was able to assume different forms.

And the flowers of Proteus are so many-sided! Some of them are like bright magic pots, which are filled with the sweetest nectar. Others appear in the form of silvery trees, others appear as leather pads for pins.

Exotic proteins come from South Africa. The Cape province, which is in southern Africa, has more than 400 of its species, which are mostly represented by shrubs and perennial grasses. One of the desert beauties - Protea Royal - looks great on the coat of arms of South Africa.

Characteristics of Proteaceae

Providing protection against strong dry winds, the flowers of the protein like to "group." So they protect their soil from overheating and retain moisture inside it. And they also have receptacles for water on their underground bodies. We must also pay tribute to the adaptive nature of many species of this family for pollination by vertebrates (bats, birds, small climbing mammals).

South Africa can be called a true paradise for the Proteaceae. Here they are pleased with their year-round flowering of the local population and visitors. Some bloom in the summer, others open their fabulous bright flowers from five to thirty centimeters in diameter in the autumn, the third - in the spring and winter. Unusual and original appearance cone-shaped flowers of the protein are not due to the flowers themselves, but to their leaf wrappers, painted in yellow, bright pink, blue-pink color scheme.

Proteans conquered their color assortment of both Australian and American florists. They are adorned in various parks, in the corners of the botanical gardens, and many daring flower breeders plant whole plantations with protuberances. Most of the cultivated varieties are destined for export to European countries.

Proteus in bouquets

And also the original flowers of the flower are adored by florists. They are beautiful in cutting, well retain their appeal for three weeks. Fabulous white proteins are used in elegant wedding bouquets. It is customary to present self-confident and motivated people. Majesty of a large expressive flower is emphasized by the remaining composite plants that obey it.

In flower interior compositions and bouquet ensembles, the main role is played by the protea (flower). The price for it ranges from 800 rubles to three thousand. Even these African beauties look great in dried bouquets. And in the room where the proprietors rule, there is an attractive atmosphere of tropical exoticism.

The most effective Protein

They are enchanted by originality and surprise with the variety of shapes and colors of these African flowers:

• Protea artichoke or "pot of honey." A large, fairly large inflorescence with the white center of the Proteus King is surrounded by bright pink petal wrappers. Inside the flower, the sweetest nectar is collected.
• Queen of the Procya. Remarkable flowers are slightly smaller than royal inflorescences, have gently pink petals and a black center.
• A compact neat bush has one of the endangered rare species - the thistle-protein.
• Protea large-headed. Cupped inflorescences of this shrubby protein are very fond of birds. They use the long beaks to extract the nectar from the flowers.

Homemade Protein Flowers

Protea is very capricious, and it is not so easy to grow her at home. It is best for room cultivation suitable plant protein of excellent or duchesse. It is an evergreen bush with heart-shaped leaves and large red-pink or pink flowers.

Protea must create the usual "African" conditions - a lot of sun and light (in the overcast time is mandatory highlighting). The roots want a moist, slightly acidic soil. Well suited ground for azaleas. Of fertilizers, give preference to acidified.

Blossoms protea for the fifth to sixth year after planting the seeds. African flowers are not affected by illnesses.