Proteaceae

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The Proteaceae are a large family of flowering plants, which includes 75-80 genera and 1500 species of evergreen trees, shrubs, and herbs. The family is included in order Proteales. They include the genera Protea, Banksia, Embothrium, Grevillea, Hakea, Dryandra and Macadamia.

Related Topics:
Flowering plant - Evergreen - Tree - Shrub - Herb - Proteales - Protea - Banksia - Embothrium - Grevillea - Hakea - Dryandra - Macadamia

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An ancient family, Proteaceae are a good example of a Gondwanan family, with representatives in South America, South Africa, India, Australia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand, all remnants of the supercontinent Gondwana. Abundant Proteaceae pollen is found in the Cretaceous coal deposits of the South Island of New Zealand. South Africa and Australia are the main modern centers of diversity.

Related Topics:
South America - South Africa - India - Australia - New Caledonia - New Zealand - Gondwana - Cretaceous

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The name Proteaceae is derived from the Greek God Proteus, the shapeshifting god, in reference to the extreme variability of leaf form in many genera in the family.

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Many proteas are cultivated for their distinctive flowers and foliage; some species of genus Macadamia produce edible nuts, which are grown commercially.

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