Protea cynaroides is a woody shrub with thick stems and large dark green, glossy leaves. Most plants are 3' in height when mature, but may vary according to locality and habitat from1' to 6' in height. The "flowers" of Protea cynaroides are actually flower heads with a collection of flowers in the centre, surrounded by large colourful bracts. The flowerheads vary in size, from about 5" to 12" in diameter. Large, vigorous plants produce six to ten flower heads in one season, although some exceptional plants can produce up to forty flower heads on one plant. The colour of the bracts varies from a creamy white to a deep crimson, but the soft pale pink bracts with a silvery sheen are the most prized.
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