Persevere
18”x18” x 1.5" Painting continues around edges.
The King Protea was named by Botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1735. He named the flower after the Greek god Proteus, Proteus was the first son of the Greek god Poseidon, who was known for shifting his form as needed, water, animal or plant. It is said that the protea flower was named after him because it, too, presents itself in an astounding variety of shapes, sizes, hues and textures to make up more than 1,400 varieties. Based on fossil findings, scientists have established that the proteas are among the oldest flowering plants on the planet, first appearing nearly 300 million years ago.
The primary symbolic meanings of the protea flower are strength, courage and resilience, since the plant survives in extreme climate conditions. Proteas also symbolize diversity, due to the hundreds of variations in color and shape. “Persevere” was named because of the flowers continued struggle to survive and thrive in harsh environments with dry, hot summers and wet, cold winters.