The Proteaceae family is another particular favourite family of mine as it has some fabulous plants amount its members that I think are fabulous, like Grevillea and Banksia species here in Australia.

This family has a really diverse range of plants within it, mainly located within the southern hemisphere, including Australia South Africa (greatest centres the diversity), along with Mexico, South America, Madagascar, India and Asia among others.The plants are mainly shrubs and trees with colourful flowers. Most members have proteoid roots which are dense masses of root hairs that are an adaptation to growing in phosphorous-deficient soils. Worldwide, there are 80 genera containing 1500 species. Within all states of Australia, there are 45 genera with 800 species, including Grevillea, Banksia, Hakea, Macadamia and Telopia.

The Proteaceae family is composed of shrubs and trees. The leaves are mainly alternately arranged on stems. The flowers are bisexual and come in pairs or are solitary. They are bisexual. Many species do contain poisons, often suggested the in the death or illness of animals, but very few in humans have been reported.

Many species are widely grown as ornamentals, also being used for cut flowers too. Macadamia trees are gown for their rather tasty nuts in many parts of the world (although it’s native to Australia). Grevillea robusta is grown in Asia, Africa and America for is timber.