300 million-year-old fossils indicate that Protea are one of the most ancient plants in the world. The name "Protea" is derived from the mythological Greek Sea God, "Proteus," who had the power to spontaneously change his shape. Appropriately named, there are over 1,500 types of protea 90 of which grow on the island of Maui. Protea thrive in the windy weather. The majority of Protea grow on the southern- facing slopes of Haleakala crater. Here, they are exposed to the cool, southeastern winds from the sea. Protea flowers are known for their long-lasting beauty. They last 10-14 days fresh, then dry to soft, muted tones that often last for several years!

Vergil, Georgics book IV, circa 35 B.C.:

"In the Aegean deep there dwells a seer, the sea blue Proteus, who across the main drives in a chariot by sea horses drawn. He visits even now the Thracian orts and his Pallene. Him we reverence and aged Nereus too; Because the seer knows all that is, and have been, and will be. Such is the will of Neptune who maintains his monstrous herd of seals beneath the wave. First you must fetter him, to make him tell the cause of the disease and bring success. For save by force he will not give advice, nor will he yield to prayer; When he is caught, keep him fast bound; Thus will his tricks be foiled so, when the sun inflames the noon-day heat and in the pastures the cattle seek the shade, I will myself conduct you to his den, whereto, when weary, he retires to sleep, but you may easily attack him thus. But when you Hold him fettered in your hands, the changing forms of beast will mock your grasp. He'll suddenly become a bristly boar or deadly tiger or scaly snake, or change into lion with tawny mane, or blaze up into fire and thus escape or melt into thin water and be gone. The more he changes shape, the tighter you, my son, must hold the bonds until at last he once more takes the shape you found him in."