I4i 



Fam. 7. Proteaceae (S. A.). 

 (Plates 22, 27 — 36, Figs. 76 — 79.) 



Shrubs or trees with persistent, exstipulate, entire or 

 multifid leaves and bisexual or (in 2 genera) unisexual 

 flowers. Perianth simple, 4-parted, mostly coloured on 

 the inner side. Stamens 4, inserted in the concave apices 

 of the calyx lobes or (Brabeium) at their base. Ovary 

 superior, with or without 4 hypogynous scales, i-carpellary, 

 1- (S. A.) ovuled. Fruit a nut or achene or, as in some 

 Australian tribes, a capsule. Seeds without endosperm. 



A large family of over 1000 species, especially well 

 represented in Australia and at the Cape (300), but 

 also occurring in Trop. Africa (30), South America (36), 

 Eastern Asia and the Malayan archipelago (50). 



The species with larger flowers are ornithophilous, 

 e.g. Protea, Leucospermum, Mimetes, the style straightening 

 elastically when released by the splitting of the perianth ; 

 the others are visited by bees, beetles, flies and other 

 insects. 



The fruits are mostly adapted to dispersal by wind, 

 viz. by means of wings (Leucadendron), tails (Protect), 

 hairs (Protect, Faurea). The large felt-covered fruits of 

 Brabeium float on water. 



Uses: In some parts of South Africa the principal 

 firewood. The wood of Faurea saligna (terblanz) is very 

 beautiful although not strong. The nectar of several 

 species of Protea, e.g. P. mellifera, pulchella, is collected and 

 evaporated to a syrup, which enjoys a great reputation as a 

 household-remedy (bosjesstroop). The leaves of Leucaden- 

 dron argenteum (silver tree) are used for wreaths and 

 floral ornaments. The seeds of Brabeium stellatifolium 

 (wild almond) are roasted and used as coffee. The bark 

 of several species is used for tanning, e.g. Mimetes lyrigera. 



