Protea Magnifica
Picture and description of the Queen protea.
This is the protea that we currently grow most of on the farm. It is commonly called the Queen protea, and is one of the bearded proteas. This species grows in very harsh conditions, mostly high on mountain slopes where it is colder and more windy.
The Magnifica comes in a wide variety of forms, and the one shown in the picture is one of my favourites. It also occurs in a pale-green variety, or a more closed flower with more beard, or has a blond beard.
As you can see from the picture, this species is especially plagued by insects and fungus, and is going to test our ability to manage them without using harmful chemicals.