Protea cynaroides aka King Sugarbush

Taxonomy

Protea cynaroides, also known as the king protea, is a distinctive and robust flowering plant that belongs to the Protea genus. It has the largest flower head in the genus and is widely distributed in the southwestern and southern parts of South Africa in the fynbos region. This plant has several color forms, and horticulturists have recognized 81 garden varieties, some of which have been planted in its natural range. The king protea is the national flower of South Africa and is the flagship of the Protea Atlas Project, run by the South African National Botanical Institute. The goblet-shaped flowers of the king protea are vibrant and attract bees and birds, but beware: its flowers, nectar, and seeds are toxic to humans and pets. This unusual flower has a long vase life in flower arrangements and makes for an excellent dried flower. It is adapted to survive wildfires by its thick underground stem, which contains many dormant buds that will produce new growth after the fire. King protea is a super rare houseplant that is easy to care for and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The king protea is also known as giant protea, honeypot, and king sugar bush. Its adaptability to heat makes it easy to care for, and it can become the gem of your collection.

Common names

King Sugarbush, King Protea, Giant Protea

How to care for King Sugarbush

Difficulty

King Sugarbush is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

King Sugarbush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

King Sugarbush requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your King Sugarbush will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Region of origin

King Sugarbush’s native range is S. Africa - Cape Province.


More info:
Wikipedia