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Glite Dictionary
Protea

Protea

9.8
A South African bush or small tree with large, bright, unusual flowers
  • noun
  • /proʊˈtiːə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : protea
  • In the background are two leafy Leucadendron Safari Sunset proteas.

Examples

  • The nursery specializes in exotic plants, including various types of proteas.

  • "The flowers and fruits of certain proteas are attractive and unusual in form and color, making them ideal for fresh or dried flowers and for use in artistic arrangements," says Elias.

    Academic text (1997)

  • PHOTO (COLOR): Partially opened King Protea, P. cynaroides, one of the largest of all South African proteas.

    Academic text (1997)

  • "To protect the protea industry in the United States, APHIS phytosanitary regulations may sometimes result in rejection of shipments from South Africa before they can reach U.S. markets," explains Palm.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Many gardeners choose proteas for their striking and vibrant flower heads.

  • In spring, the proteas bloom beautifully, attracting bees and butterflies.

Compounds

king protea
  • South African
9.7

A South African bush with large flowers that look like artichokes

Protea mellifera
  • Australian
9.9

A shrub with flowers that make a lot of nectar for bees to make honey

Protea cynaroides
  • South African
9.9

A South African shrub with large flowers like artichokes

protea family
  • Australian
9.5

A group of shrubs and trees from South Africa and Australia with leathery leaves and clustered showy flowers

Surface Forms

Protea singular
Proteas plural

Etymology

Protea comes from the Greek sea-god Proteus, who could change his shape. Because these South African plants have many different shapes and bright colors, the name points to being 'changeable', and you can see the same root in protean, which means 'very changeable'.