Leucadendron 'Ebony'
Leucadendron is a South African genus in the Protea Family, with many of the species found in the fynbos vegetation type (this vegetation type is somewhat similar to the chapparal vegetation found in California, or the Mediterranean scrub vegetation of southern Europe). Unlike the large and showy flower heads found in many other plants in the Proteaceae, the Leucadendron flower heads are quite small - but they are cupped within colored bracts that can be very showy. In the lower photo, one can see the tiny flowers grouped at the center of the flaming red bracts. The hybrid 'Ebony' has gained great popularity for its striking dark purple leaves, with the bracts adding a fiery touch when the plant flowers during the winter.
-Brian
