Protea or sugarbushes have extremely unique looking flowers. My guess is that most people have no idea they exist but once you have… they are difficult to forget.
We visited the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm while in Maui last year. Located at 1100 Waipouli Road, Kula, HI it is a must see while traveling up the mountain. One of the highlights of the farm visit for me was discovering Protea. If I ever go back to Maui, I will definitely be visiting the various Protea farms in Kula.
These flowering shrubs can be grown in southern France, California, Australia, Hawaii and Chile and require heat, sun and well-drained soil. Proteas last for weeks as cut and dried flowers. The Protea flowers represents change and hope. 
The combination of Proteas with the amazing views from the Kula area are unbelievable. 
The California Protea Association looks like a great resource for Protea care. Have you seen these amazing plants in person?
I’ve only seen them as cut flowers, so I enjoyed this chance to see them through your eyes. Lovely!