Protea cynaroides is a woody shrub with thick stems and large dark green, glossy leaves. The “flowers” of Protea cynaroides are actually flower heads with a collection of flowers in the centre, surrounded by large colourful bracts. The flowerheads vary in size, from about 120 mm to 300 mm in diameter. Large, vigorous plants produce six to ten flower heads in one season. The colour of the bracts varies from a creamy white to a deep crimson, but the soft pale pink bracts with a silvery sheen are the most prized BOTANICAL NAME: Protea Cynaroides COMMON NAME: King Protea AFRIKAANS NAME: Grootsuikerkan