Proteaceae, also known as ‘fynbos’, are valued for their long vase life and good travelling properties. Fynbos includes proteas, leucospernums (pincushions), leucadendrons, ericas and restios. They are regarded as exotics in other countries and are used as cut flowers and fillers.

South Africa’s exports of soft flowers are not as large as its northern neighbours. The International Protea Association 13th conference together with the IXth International Protea Working Group Symposium will be held in Stellenbosch, South Africa, from 3-6 September 2008.South Africa’s environmental diversity ranging from semi-desert to sub-tropical provides a treasure chest of floral abundance, especially the south-western Cape known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. Here 330 species of Proteaceae thrive and are harvested from the wild. These hard-stemmed plants have increased the amazing potential of the South AFrican Floral Market by widening the range of varieties that South Africa offers as its main export lines.

Of the 4,000 tons of Cape Flora exported per annum from Cape Town, leucospernum is one of the most popular, but the best selling export product is the Queen Protea (Barbigera), followed by the King Protea (Cynaroides). There has also been a shift away from harvesting from the wild to growing cultivated varieties which has made a big improvement on quality.

 fynbos

proteas

leucopermum - pincushions

leucodendrons

ericas and restios - reeds and grasses