Origin
Protea was already around when the dinosaurs still roamed the earth. The history of this ancient flower dates back about 300 million years In the eighteenth century she received the name we still use to this day: ‘Protea’. Swedish Botanist Karl Linnaeus, named her after the Greek sea god ‘Proteus’, who was a shapeshifter. A very fitting name, since Protea comes in many different shapes and sizes.
Protea is part of the ‘Proteaceae family’, consisting of about 1600 species divided over 83 genera. Part of this family are also Banksia, Grevillea, Macadamia and Leucospermum. This family is considered to be one of the oldest families of flowering plant in the world.
The Protea genus itself contains about 360 species. Of which mostly occur in the Cape regions of South Africa where they are part of the ‘Fynbos’ vegetation, known for its exceptional degree of biodiversity. A significant shared characteristic of the Protea genus are the clustered roots, allowing them to survive in soil that isn’t rich in nutrients.
One of the most famous Protea varieties is the King Protea, which is also the national flower of South Africa. You’ll find the King Protea on birth certificates, passports and coins. The South-African nickname for the protea is ‘sugarbush’ (suikerbossie). A reference to the sugary taste of the proteas’ nectar.
Odilia
Nowadays, Protea’s are cultivated in many countries with a Mediterranean or Subtropical environment. The protea’s from Odilia, which you’ll find in our assortment, mostly originate from Portugal (the Azores) and South Africa and are therefore year-round available.
Odilia specializes in extraordinary flowers, such as Protea’s, Cape Greens, Leucadendron, Leucospermum and Banksia: flowers that will make your heart skip a beat. With a keen eye she selects the best varieties from fields of master growers. Together we can create an unprecedented collection of fantastic flowers. Rare species, exclusive varieties, extraordinary beauty. Below a small part of Odilia's assortment, available in the Coloríginz webshop. Shop the Odilia collection here.
Left to right: Protea Queen Barbigera - Protea Brenda - Protea Silvia
Left to right: Protea Venus, Protea Niobe, Protea Cynaroide
Inspiration
Known for their dramatic shapes, colours and unique textures, protea’s quickly became an all-time favorite for many floral artists. Because they come in so many different shapes and sizes, they are very easy to combine. - Are you going for a bohemian look? Pick protea Barbigera! Rustic? Opt for Protea Madiba. Romantic? Protea Cynaroide Grandes is your match made in heaven. Mix and match this exotic bloom with flowers and foliage of your choice and you’ll easily achieve the look you are going for.
Want to learn more about Odilia and her stunning varieties? Click here to visit the Odilia website. Shop the Odilia assortment, right here on the Coloríginz webshop.
