THE EXPLOSION… PROTEA by magdaindigo

Protea flowers normally remain closed, (with the style curved, and the stigma within the mass of tepals), until an insect, bird, or rodent disturbs the flower. At that point, the flower snaps open, the style straightens and the stigma is held some distance above the bloom.
Read all about this amazing plant, this is the BEST article I’ve EVER come across on any flower: HERE
Some of the most spectacular species in the diverse vegetation of the Cape region of South Africa are the proteas.
Protea is both the botanical name and the English common name of a genus of flowering plants, sometimes also called sugarbushes.
The genus Protea was named in 1735 by Carolus Linnaeus after the Greek god Proteus who could change his form at will, because proteas have such different forms.
Proteas attracted the attention of botanists visiting the Cape of Good Hope in the 1600s.
Together with the Springbok Antelope, the Protea had been treated as a sometimes controversial national symbol in South Africa, both during and after apartheid.

I wanted it to look like fireworks.

Hope you enjoy it? Thanx, M, (*_*)
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Full Colour by Harry-Eggens

A tiny little colorful male Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Klein-rooibandsuikerbekkie in South African language) on an orange Protea which is South Africa’s national flower.

This shot was taken in the very beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town.
These Gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden. The gardens are a celebration of South African flora – showcasing only indigenous South African plants. Fynbos and proteas.

©Harry Eggens

Best wishes,

Harry

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