Indigenous Zambian Protea Species

The mention of Protea usually evokes ideas of the numerous tree and shrub species well known from South Africa. Indeed, South Africa is the land of Proteas with their national flower being the King Protea, Protea cynaroides. The national cricket team uses the protea as its emblem. The flower is also featured on the South African coat of arms.

In traditional African medicine, proteas have been used to treat a variety of ailments, such as stomach disorders and respiratory infections. The flower has also been used in traditional Zulu and Xhosa weddings, where it symbolizes change, hope, and new beginnings. Additionally, in Western cultures, proteas are often given as gifts to symbolize courage, diversity, and strength.

P. micans subsp. trichophylla Photo: Nicholas Wightman

By contrast, Zambia is not often associated with any interesting Proteas, and some might come across and recognise a few of the more common tree Proteas, like the white flowered P. gaguedi, P. welwitschii and P. angolensis var. divaricata or the pink flowered P. angolensis var. trichanthera.

Protea angolensis subsp. angolensis Photo: Nicholas Wightman

However, about half of the Protea species in Zambia are dwarf shrubs and suffrutices rarely more than 75 cm tall. A few species are found in the ground flora of mature northern wet miombo woodland amongst sparse grasses and forbs. The red flowered P. micans subsp. trichophylla, light pink flowered P. angolensis subsp. roseola and the white flowered P. micans subsp. micans are all found in the shady, well-drained understorey where their flowers can be appreciated up close.

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P. micans subsp. micans P. angolensis subs roselea

Not to be undone, the grassland habitat also hosts a range of Protea species as well. The dry plains on Kalahari Sands host a range of species including P. angolensis subsp. angolensis, P. matonchiana and P. paludosa subsp. secundifolia; while a few species prefer wet inundated grassland habitats such as P. baumii subsp. robusta.

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P. baumii subsp. robusta Photo: Nicholas Wightman

All these dwarf Protea species are wild plants, well adapted to the woodland or grassland habitats that they are found in. Unfortunately, as with most of our Protea species, they are not always numerous and an unexpected encounter while on a walk-through appropriate habitat may be rewarded with a view of their flowers.

Please remember, as with most of our flora, it is best to appreciate with pictures as a reminder and to leave the plant in place.

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Protea welwitschii

Protea welwitschii, commonly known as the giant protea, is a unique variety of protea found in the woodlands of central and eastern Zambia. It is the largest species in the Protea family and can grow up to 6 meters in height. The flowers of this variety are striking and can be as large as 30 centimeters in diameter. They are pinkish-red in colour and are made up of long, pointed petals that surround a central cone-shaped structure filled with small flowers.

Some of these can be found in Lusaka National Park and a guide can take you to the location. You will usually find them in flower at the end of the rainy season around April.

The Protea chamaedaphne

The Protea chamaedaphne, also known as the lowveld sugarbush, is a small shrub that is found in the southern regions of Zambia, particularly in the Kafue National Park. It is typically found in dry savannas and woodlands, and can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has small, white to pinkish flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring and is a popular food source for birds and insects.

As these trees have very specific requirements for growth, including soil type, climate, and soil micro-biome, it is extremely challenging to cultivate them from seed. Therefore, most efforts are focused on preserving them in their natural habitats.