Dating from fossils over 300 million years old, proteas rank among the most ancient plants in the world. Maui protea are grown on the cool volcanic slopes of Haleakala. Slightly acidic soils, local mountain breezes, and excellent natural drainage complete the requirements for optimum growing conditions. Having evolved to withstand rugged environments and climatic conditions, the flowers wear a coat of floral fur for warmth and protection. This fur makes the Mink and King protea soft and touchable, like a bunny's ear.

The "pincushion" protea (Leucospermum) is one of nature's floral curiosities. Like a bowl full of hard ribbon-candy, the dome-shaped flowerhead begins life covered with glossy weaved loops of red, orange, gold and yellow. As it grows, these loops flick outward, exposing pointed tips that look like tiny colorful Indian arrowheads. When mature, the flowerheads resemble sea urchins that glow through light prisms in Maui's clear warm sea.

Because of the research on hybridizing the pincushion type at the Maui Agricultural Research Center in Kula, today Maui produces more hybridized varieties of pincushions than anywhere else in the world! These and other unique varieties of protea are only available from Maui growers! Here's a sample of some of Maui's gorgeous protea flowers.