The King of South Africa…

South Africa has no king! Instead they have some of the most beautiful flowers in the world, including this one – the King Protea (Proteus cynaroides). The genus comprises of many species of great diversity and lives up to its name from the greek god Proteus – a god known for taking on many forms.

King Protea
Proteus cynaroides (The national flower of South Africa). Click on the photograph to view in Flickr.

Photographed at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.