PROTEA mundii

The forest sugarbush is a fast-growing single-stemmed, upright shrub or small tree that reaches an average height of 3–8 m but can occasionally reach 12 m, making it the tallest tree-like protea. Smooth grey bark with downy stems that become hairless when mature.

Ivory white flower buds 60-80 cm long occur from January to September with peak flowering between February and April in the Southern Hemisphere. Flower colour may vary from cream, yellow, pink and occasionally red. As with all Protea, they are birds and insect attractants.

Native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Good for harsh coastal conditions.

Prefers light sandy well-drained soil in an open sunny position, drought resistant but frost tender.

Grow notes:

The best time to sow is usually autumn or spring when the temperature range is between 16-22°C and there is a difference of day and night temperatures of around 12°C.
If your summer is hot and dry and your winter is moderate and wet the best time to sow is autumn.
In colder climates with less harsh summers, it is usually better to sow in spring.

1. The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering.
2. Sow the seed the depth on the seed size. Vermiculite is a good medium to use to cover the surface as it helps retain moisture and controls the temperature. 
3. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out. 
4. Germination should occur in 21-60 days depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended:
Members of the Proteaceae are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species of the Proteaceae family 
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments available by clicking here.