Protea neriifolia

Protea neriifolia is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to South Africa. Narrow leathery leaves surround large flower heads composed of many small central flowers enclosed by colorful bracts. The bracts range from pink to deep red and often carry a dark, hairy fringe near their tips. The species is adapted to open, fire-prone shrubland with sunny conditions and freely draining soil. Photographed in Florida.