Proteaceae - nectar bars for honey eaters

In the southern hemisphere, the exotic flowers of most Proteaceae are pollinated by birds or small animals attracted by their nectar.

Proteaceae is a large family of flowering plants, almost entirely confined to the southern hemisphere - mainly southern Africa, Australia and South America. They are named after Proteus, a Greek sea god capable of changing his appearance; very apt for such a diverse group of plants. The family includes plants such as Protea, Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea, Macadamia and Embothrium.

Australian Aboriginals used the nectar from Banksia flowers as a food source.

The founder of the RHS, Sir Joseph Banks, collected the first specimens of Banksia during James Cook's first voyage round the world.

Many banksias and hakeas have adapted to survive the wild fires that occur in areas of Australia. They regenerate from a woody lignotuber below ground.

Some species of Protea are pollinated in the wild by honey-eating birds or small marsupials.

The spectacular king protea is the national flower of South Africa. It was introduced to Britain in 1775 by Francis Masson.

Proteas are now very popular as cut flowers. Growing them commercially is becoming an important industry in South Africa.

Some Proteaceae can be grown outside in the UK. At Wisley there is a Grevillea in the Walled Garden and a Chilean flame tree (Embothrium coccineum) in the Mediterranean area of Battleston Hill.

These plants generally require acidic, well-drained soil with low nutrients and low levels of available phosphates.

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