Proteaceae (Noun)
Meaning
Large family of Australian and South African shrubs and trees with leathery leaves and clustered mostly tetramerous flowers; constitutes the order Proteales.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The Proteaceae family is one of the most common and widespread families in Australia, with species such as banksias and grevilleas.
- Proteaceae, which originated in the southern hemisphere, have some of the oldest fossil records among flowering plants.
- Some popular garden ornamentals, such as proteas and leucadendrons, belong to the Proteaceae family and thrive in cooler climates.
- Banksia is a type of plant from the Proteaceae family that produces extremely thick, woody seed pods when its flower has finished blooming.
- Several Proteaceae species exhibit responses to smoke exposure, as fires play a crucial role in the seeds' germination and survival.