Proteas, a family of shrubs with unusual and beautiful flowers, also include the South African national flower, the King Protea.

These flowers were named after the Greek god Proteus, who, according to legend, was able to change his appearance at will. It was from the name Protea that the family name Proteacease was assigned by the by the French botanist Jussieu.

Most South African Proteacease occur in the Cape, stretching along the coast and mountainous regions eastwards to Port Elizabeth and spreading up the West Coast to Vanrhynsdorp. From the 117 species native to Africa, 82 are from South Africa. The genera concerned are Aulax, Leucadendron, Paranomus, Serruria, Faurea, Sorocephalus, Spatalla, Protea, Diastella, Mimetes, Orothamnus, Leucospermum, Brabejum and Vexatorella. Proteas are a part of fynbos.

Proteacease are characterized by large bracts, often brightly colored, surrounding a composite type flower. The bracts are smooth or pubescent, with many species having bracts fringed with a dark "fur" lending a tactile as well as visual appeal. The range of colors includes red, pink, yellow, white, and occasionally green. The King Protea, the national flower of South Africa, has flower heads up to 30 cm across, with widely spaced bracts arranged around a peak of flowers that vary in colour from near white to soft silvery-pink to deep rose pink or crimson.

They grow in variable soils that are generally poor, particularly in the mountain area. Preferring the sandstone of Table Mountain, Proteacease also grow in Bokkeveld shale, which has a high content of clay. Some even grow in the other extreme of virtually pure sand, particularly along our coastal regions

The Cape flora thrives under highly variable climatic conditions. A maximum temperature of 32^oC is not uncommon during the summer months, while winter temperatures can often fall as low as 0^oC, although not for a long period of time. The highest temperatures are found in the regions of the Sandveld and Cederberg. The mountain ranges are cooler, experiencing the effects of prevailing winds, mists and cloud. Snow falls regularly in the Cape mountains each winter.

Proteacease occur in regions where the rainfall varies from as low as 180mm to 2500mm per annum. In the regions where the rainfall is low, many species occur in depressions, gullies, valleys and on south-facing slopes where the plants use underground moisture accumulated during the winter months. A good example of this is Protea cynaroides. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall that varies from 300 mm to 1500 mm and survives only because of the abundant underground seepage that it uses as alternative water resource.

The Proteacease are essentially social plants, although there are a number of exceptions. Many of the species growing in their natural habitat occur in close proximity to one another, forming close-knit communities. The individual plants protect one another from prevailing winds. They create a dense cover which keeps the soil cool and reduces the rate of evaporation.

A very important factor in the ecology of Proteacease is a well-drained soil. This is because it provides not only a well-aerated soil, but also a cool root system which is important for their sensitive roots.