Protea neriifolia involucre

The appeal of the Protea neriifolia involucre is shared among colours, textures and shapes of the different parts.

The about parabolic bract shapes differ across rows, their margins peaking in hairiness at the vertices of the mirror symmetrical curve shapes. The uppermost or innermost row of bracts are tallest and hairiest (most bearded). The outer, lower rows qualify less as true parabola shapes, in picture more colour rich than the tall, pale ones.

These outer rows of bracts may eventually recurve away from the head, becoming papery like wood shavings, while the tips of the inner ones in picture are pure black and white in only small upper parts and retaining their centre protective stances.

The leaves resemble the bracts in shape but are more oblong, hairless when mature and displaying conspicuous, pale midribs. The leaf quirks of outline and undulation are absent from the bracts that share the purpose of protecting the inner flowerhead parts, adhering to a dedicated conformity. The oleander-leaf protea common name that repeats the specific epithet in the scientific name is apt.

The notably red upper stem in picture adds to the plant's multicoloured attributes (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; iNaturalist).