Protea Cynaroides, also known as the linden flower, commonly known as the "wood lily" or "longan flower", is the national flower of the Republic of South Africa.

In South Africa, there are more than 350 species of imperial flowers, more than half of which are grown in the Cape Flower Kingdom, and the best place to appreciate imperial flowers is the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve on the Cape Peninsula.

Protea Cynaroides is a perennial, multi-flowering stem evergreen shrub with a life span of more than 100 years. It has large flowers, tall bracts and petals, stout stems, large, dark green, glossy leaves, and many plants are 1 meter high at maturity. The color of the bulb bracts varies from milky white to dark red, but the pale pink, slightly silvery bracts are the most popular and admired. In a growing season, a large, stout imperial plant can produce 6 to 10 flower balls, and individual plants can produce 40 flower balls in a growing season.

The stamens in the imperial flower ball can bloom for a long time, which makes her a dazzling landscape in the garden within a few weeks, and can also be placed for a long time as a fresh cut flower. This is the real reason why Protea Cynaroides is considered by South Africans to be undefeated for a long time, and it is precisely because of this that it is loved and respected by the majority of domestic flower and flower arrangement lovers.

To cultivate Protea Cynaroides, it is necessary to use ten soils that are loose and fertile with good drainage and air permeability. Protea Cynaroides have a greater demand for light, but they need to be placed in a semi-shade place to receive scattered light for fear of strong light. In spring, autumn and winter, they can be exposed to scattered light, and in hot summer, they need proper shading. Protea Cynaroides have a large demand for water, but the root system is not resistant to stagnant water. They need to be watered every three days in spring and autumn, and once every half a month in winter. In summer, they need to be watered once a day. This can not only ensure that Protea Cynaroides has sufficient water, but also prevent the root system from accumulating water and causing the root system to rot.

The flower language of Protea Cynaroides is victory and perfection, and it is often picked by people to give to the triumphant warriors. Emperor flowers also mean wealth and auspiciousness and long-term happiness. Protea Cynaroides are similar to peony flowers, with a rich and elegant appearance. The color is bright and auspicious. People often plant them in front of their homes in the hope that they will be rich and auspicious and happy for a long time.