A fast-growing, tall tree with a pyramid-shaped canopy. The leaves are dark green on the front with silvery down on the reverse and their shape is reminiscent of ferns. The flowers are also interesting because, although they have no petals, they are extremely attractive. In their place of origin, they grow in mixed forests with other species.

They belong to a family (proteaceae) with species of such differing morphology that they have acquired the name Proteus, a Greek god who could change his appearance to trick his enemies.