Protea cynaroides variety in involucral bracts

Open and closed involucres of Protea cynaroides are to be seen here. The involucral bracts are convex on their outer surfaces, the concave or hollow insides show collapsing of some older bract tips. Bract shape is between elliptic and triangular, tapering to acutely pointed tips.

When still closed in the bud stage, the imbricate pattern of the bract arrangement is more notable than when the upper bracts are elongated as in the open flowerhead. The visible floral parts in picture are at inward angles when young, outwards when old. A soft, silky appearance is created by fine hairs present on the outside surfaces of the bracts (Rebelo, 1985; Eliovson, 1983; Rourke, 1980; iNaturalist).