Protea cynaroides, the king protea, is a flowering plant. "Protea cynaroides" is a species of protea in the huge family Proteaceae. These include king protea, sugarbush, tree pincushion and golden cone bush ("Leucadendron laureolum"). Lower elevations are covered with protea fynbos, with ericas taking over further up. Some protea flower species, like the king protea flower, are self-pollinating flowers. The king protea is the national flower of South Africa. Another uniquely South African flowering plant group is the genus "Protea". Protea, erica, restio and Asteraceae species, as well as geophytes, are all found in abundance. The species is also known as giant protea, honeypot or king sugar bush. Kula is also known for the many varieties of protea grown for commercial sale. The national flower of South Africa is the King Protea ("Protea cynaroides"). The family Proteaceae to which "Protea" species belong is an ancient one among angiosperms. In local tradition, the protea flower represents change and hope. The incursions were designated Operation Sceptic, Operation Protea, and Operation Daisy, respectively.