The king protea is the national flower of South Africa — a giant, striking bloom native to the Cape, and the emblem of the national cricket team.

• National flower: The king protea
• Scientific name: Protea cynaroides
• Status: Official national flower
• Symbolism: diversity, beauty, and transformation

About South Africa’s national flower

The king protea is the largest flower in the protea genus, with a bowl of pointed pink bracts surrounding a dense center. It is native to the fynbos of South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region, one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth, and is remarkably hardy, able to survive wildfire and regrow.

Symbolism and tradition

The king protea lends its name and image to the Proteas, South Africa’s national cricket team, and appears on the country’s coins and stamps.

National flower of South Africa FAQs

What is the national flower of South Africa?

The national flower of South Africa is the king protea (Protea cynaroides), the largest of the protea flowers, native to the country’s Cape region.

What does South Africa’s national flower represent?

The king protea symbolizes diversity, beauty, and transformation, reflecting South Africa’s extraordinary variety of plant life.

Why is the protea South Africa’s national flower?

The king protea is native to South Africa’s Cape region and is the largest protea. Its beauty and resilience made it the national flower, and it gives the national cricket team its name.

Explore more

Discover national flowers from around the world, the state flowers of the U.S., or find your birth flower.