The Protea was named after the Greek sea God Proteus who could change his form at will.
Proteas are ancient.
They belong to that time in the ancient history of our world called Gondwana - some 300 million years ago. Gondwanaland is the name given to the the great Southern super-continent that broke off from the northern land mass- Laurasia.
It includes the all the continents of the Southern hemisphere plus Arabia and the Indian continent.
Proteas can be found in hundreds of different forms throughout these regions. The Australian family of protea is named Grevilleoideae and is the same family as the banksia, grevillia and warratahs.
But I just call mine Farmers' Market Proteas.
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They look ancient - primal - and beautiful in a scary way.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving it that it's still Thursday here but I'm reading your post from tomorrow. Time becomes so abstract here in the world of blogs.
Hello Reya, nice to see you again. They do have an evolutionary unfolding look...
ReplyDeleteFunny reading your post and i am looking at mine in a vase.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day.
Amazing flower. So interesting what grows in different climates and places....
ReplyDeleteHi there Jules, how's the busy mum of 4?
ReplyDeleteDon't you love that term 'gondwanaland' sounds aboriginal but it is derived from a place in India.
Mona - well we appreciate the same beauty!
ReplyDeleteVery nice. Your blog is always interesting.
ReplyDeleteHow big are these blossoms?
Hello Dan, these particular blooms are 3-4 inches in diameter.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your nice words. Always the appreciative, thoughtful man...
There is always something new and fresh in your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you Mr B&B I'm glad you came for another visit. It makes it all worthwhile to have appreciative readers.
ReplyDeleteEthereal!! I adore your wonderful layering effects here.
ReplyDelete"Evolutionary unfolding looks" is both descriptive and poetic. I'm with Willow -- I adore the layering. It helps accentuate the primal, ancient, unfolding theme.
ReplyDeleteWillow and Meri - these were my first attempts at textures so I'm pleased that you both feel that way. I had hoped to give them that timeless quality.
ReplyDeleteWillow:
How nice to see a new face. I am often at your place in the shadows.
I bought these once at a florist and it lasted forever, I never knew what they were.
ReplyDeleteThanks pal. xoxo