South African Protea, 12" x 12"Proteas were named after the Greek god Proteus, son of Poseidon, who had the ability to transform himself into many different shapesand proteas do come in an astounding variety of shapes, sizes, hues, and textures. These plants are known for their unusual and beautiful flowers, which seem rather mythological themselves, like blooms from an alien landscapesome can reach 12 inches (30. 5 centimeters) across.