Protea Information
Colorful Protea flowers come in many forms, from tiny dwarf Protea flowers to Protea shrubs, and even large Protea trees. The Protea blooms range in size from two to twelve inches in diameter. As a family, Proteaceae is so diverse that it defied classification until 1735 when the Swedish naturalist, Linneaus, dared to give this family a name. Linneaus, named this family ‘Proteaceae’ after the Greek god 'Proteus.' This is an appropriate name for this plant that presents a breathtaking array of shapes, sizes, hues and textures. There are over 1,500 different species of this diverse family identified so far, although only about 160 are grown for commercial use.
Adding the word MAGUS, the
Latin word for ‘wizard’, to ANIMAL, J.K. Rowling – author of the Harry
Potter series - coined the term ‘ANIMAGUS’: a wizard who can become an
animal yet retain magical powers. One of the first wizards to display this
ability was Proteus, of Greek Mythology. He was a servant of
Poseidon, god of the oceans. Proteus enjoyed a special talent: the
knowledge of past, present and future. Unfortunately, this meant he was
often asked for predictions. To escape people he would quickly transform
into a variety of animals and terrifying creatures. Something that changes
shape is said to be ‘protean’.
Plant life research indicates that Proteaceae probably originated in South
Africa along the southern coastal mountain ranges, growing wild in the
Cape of Good Hope
and on the
slopes of Table Mountain. Some 140 million years ago, Gondwana (the
southern hemisphere combined into one land mass) started to break up into
separate continents which, eventually, became India, Madagascar and the
southern continents; Australasia, Antarctica and South America as we know
them today. The ancient members of the Proteaceae family followed separate
evolutionary courses on these now isolated landmasses as they moved to
their current positions as they are today. Protea, Leucadendron and
Leucospermum stayed mainly in Southern Africa, while their cousins,
Banksias, moved to Australia. In New Zealand there are now just two living
indigenous members of the Proteaceae family, yet the fossil record clearly
shows the land once supported a rich, diverse range of Proteaceae.
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Protea Bouquets
Each shipment contains mixed seasonal Proteaceae, Leucospermum (pincushion), Leucadendron, Banksia, Eucalyptus and various other 'Cape Greens' and ornamental fillers. The flowers are shipped in two arrangements that can be used separately or combined for a stunning arrangement of mixed #1 Select Designer Grade Protea flowers. We include four (4) Nutriflor sachets (floral preservative) and detailed conditioning instructions. Our custom designed shipping boxes contains a frozen ice pack in an effort to keep the Protea Bouquets cool during shipping. Each of the Protea Bouquets comes with an individual floral sleeve that can be used if the Protea Bouquets are to be presented as a gift.
Our flowers are NOT shipped the same day that they are cut. Proteas are grown in Mediterranean climates in areas with summer day temperatures ranging from 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat accelerates photosynthesis and the sugar intake of the flowers which in turn reduces the 'life' of the blooms. All our flowers are hydrated and refrigerated overnight to reduce the 'field heat', thus extending the vase-life of these extraordinary blooms even longer. Each shipment is packed with an ice pack in an effort to keep the flowers cool during shipping.
We also do NOT want to bypass your local florist. We encourage florists to stock Protea and are continuing to inform and educate florist of the tremendous benefits that Protea flowers offer. To some florists, Protea are 'new' and 'different', but once they become familiar with these beautiful exotic flowers, they are hooked. Help us spread the word.
The extended vase-life of Protea Bouquets make them ideal for displays in business reception areas, hotel and restaurant lobbies and anywhere where you want to attract attention. Join our Business Program and receive a Protea Bouquet shipment every month for only $54.95 per month (including shipping and handling). A three month initial subscription applies to qualify for this special offer. Contact us at eugene@ProMediaMan.com for more information.
Protea Newsletter
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Want to customize your computer desktop to show off the beauty of Proteas? We have configured some stunning pictures to bring you these FREE Desktop Wallpapers. See which one will suit your computer best.
Looking for books on Protea ? Check out our Protea Book Catalogue.
Protea Industry Resources
- ProteaInfo is a Protea information site designed entirely in Flash (Flash technology has become a popular method for adding animation and interactivity to web pages)
- Tenaja Farms is a flower wholesaler and one of the suppliers used by DiscoverProtea.com for their Protea Bouquets
