These plants are native from South Africa, but are grown here on the cooler slopes of Kohala Mountain. Posted for Terri’s Flower Hour. See more responses here.
Pincushion Proteas
Graham's Island
Life on the Big Island of Hawaii
These plants are native from South Africa, but are grown here on the cooler slopes of Kohala Mountain. Posted for Terri’s Flower Hour. See more responses here.
Graham's Island 
Beautiful specimens. I like the spidery foliage, rather than the dense bushy ones.
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They’re a bit alien looking, which I like!
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Lovely Proteas Graham. They grow well here too
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I wouldn’t doubt it!
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Nice to see such familiar flowers, though surprising in Hawaii. Are they grown for the cut-flower trade?
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Proteas grow well in Australia too and are used in the floral industry. They are one of the main exported flowers, extensively cultivated and exported to major markets including Japan, North America, and Europe
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Although I know that proteas grow well in Australia I had no idea they are so extensively grown for the export flower trade. Interesting, thanks.
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You’re welcome
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Yes, as well as for people to have a growing plant. They’re used in leis here too.
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How interesting they are used in leis. In future I will be scanning any photos of leis I see, looking for these flowers!
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They’re not traditional in leis, being a recent introduction to Hawaii, but they’re used in leis given to visiting dignitaries, that kind of thing.
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Fabulous
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Thanks Sheree.
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Gorgeous florals, Graham! I’m always fascinated by the number of plants and flowers that make their way to Hawaii!
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If they get here, they generally grow, which is sometimes good, sometimes not!
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