General Description/History

The Berzelia genus are found in South Africa, and have been grown in Australia by Protea enthusiasts for the last 20 years or so. B. lanuginosa is a quite distinct looking cut flower as each branch is topped with masses of small (@ 5mm) green (or pale white late in the season) balls. These are the flower buds that can open to form fluffy round flowers. Leaves are long and strap like, arising from the tough woody stems. B. galpini is another Berzelia species sometimes available – it has larger ball-type flowers with a scaly appearance.

What to look for

• Buy branches when most, if not all, buds are firm but not open
• Avoid bunches with yellow leaves.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem and wash stem ends thoroughly.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
4. Do not bash or split stems.
5. Always use a preservative as this will help maintain open flowers.
6. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

Berzelia was named in honour of Count Jacob J. Berzelius (1779-1845), a renowned Swedish chemist who was the founder of chemical symbols and was also a professor of medicine.

Botanical Name: Berzelia lanuginosa

Common Names: Berzelia

Stem Length: 30 – 70 cm

Country of Origin: South Africa

Available Colours: Green, White

Season: Winter,Spring

Availability: July,August,September,October,November