Sugarbush, Honey flower
Protea repens

Family: Proteaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows up to 2.5 m tall. The leaves are clustered near the ends of branches. They are narrow and oval. They are 13 cm long by 0.8-1.3 cm wide. It tapers to the ends. The flower heads are slender and 10-13 cm long by 7.5 cm across. The colour can be white to pink or red.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows from sea level to 2000 m altitude in South Africa. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Wittunga Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The nectar collected from the flowers can be boiled down to form a thick syrup and sugar. It can also be eaten directly.

Edible parts

Sap, flower - nectar

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Suikerbos

Synonyms

Protea mellifera Thunb.;