Ancient

This protea is growing in a neighbour's garden. Proteas originate in southern Africa, and give their name to the large plant family Proteaceae. Which includes lots of Australian plants such as Banksias, Grevilleas and Telopeas (waratahs). Their ancestors originated in the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, which included much of present day Australia, Africa, South America and Antarctica. The story is complicated and the details still being worked out. A good introduction is in this article by Gregory Moore of the University of Melbourne (warning: it includes reference to the Big Bad Banksia Men).