The family Proteaceae is generally confined to the southern hemisphere in the warmer tropical and subtropical regions.
There are 75 genera and 1000 species in the family Proteaceae. 36.6% of Proteaceae species are threatened. Five species are extinct, with another possibly extinct. 73 species are considered by the IUCN as "Endangered", 91 are "Vulnerable", 183 are "Rare" and 5 are "Indeterminate".
The genus Protea shows an amazing diversity of shape and form, ranging from trees to low-growing shrubs. In recognition of this diversity, it was named after the Greek sea god, Proteus, who was able to change his appearance. There are over 114 species of protea in Africa, 82 of which occur in southern Africa. Of these 69 are found in the coastal region of Cape Province.
Other species in the same family are found in Australia e.g. Banksia, Telopea, Hakea and South America e.g. Chilean fire bush - Embothrium coccineum.