Flame tip belongs to the genus ‘protea’. This genus is named after the Greek god Proteus who was deft at changing his forms. Flame tip is also known by its large variety.

Flame tip bushes can grow to a height of 4 feet. The male and the female flowers appear on different plants. The plant bears flowers like tulip which are gold in colour with red centres. The modified leaves, called bracts, are shaped like a pineapple and they can appear in a host of colours like green, yellow and red. In the female flowers, on the other hand, the bract is yellow and surrounded by long, lemon hued leaves. The female flower is of a green-white colour. Both types of flowers blossom from March to May.

The plant grows well in many climatic conditions, but thrives best in soils that is sandy with an acid content and is well drained. It is found to be a native of South Africa.

The beauty of the plant has made it a popular garden flower and it is used in landscaping and as cut flowers.