Proteas were named after the Greek god Proteus, son of Poseidon, who had the ability to transform himself into many different shapes—and proteas do come in an astounding variety of shapes, sizes, hues, and textures. Proteas are considered to be among the oldest of flowering plants. The species in the Proteoideae group are native to South Africa. In African tradition, the protea flower represents change and hope.
Info sourced from https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/plants/african-protea
Photo capture date & Location: 2016-10 Beacon Island Hotel, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.