This Protea eximia bud has nearly reached the length at which it will open. The typical darkening of the bract tips is visible as well as some pink surface colouring in the upper rows of bracts. Slight curving away from the bud is seen in the dried out bract tips. Fortunately the inner row of bracts usually lacks this blackening, allowing the open flower the chance of being beautiful.
The whitish hairs on the dead margins of the bracts can still be seen, although this species is not counted among the bearded proteas.
The leaves are darker green than on some specimens shown in this Album, while the red rims are in evidence yet again. Even hard leaves such as these clearly serve as food for some insects!