AFRICAN QUEEN

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

- 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 million years ago) so, if you want to take the long view, proteas are natives.

They certainly like similar growing conditions to our own Proteaceae and the plants grow well together massed into large shrubberies.

Growing them in this way also limits their exposure to adverse conditions such as overfeeding with high-phosphorus fertilisers, which are damaging for all members of the protea family.

Proteas and their relatives are also very attractive to nectar-feeding birds and are long-lasting if picked for a vase or bouquet.

VARIETIES TO GROW

While 'Pink Ice' (Protea neriifolia) is probably the most popular protea variety, there are many others to grow if you've been bitten by the protea bug and want to plant more.