Protea aurea subsp. aurea plants may become large and much-branched, also many-flowered in season. The lower stems become bare with age, the main one covered in smooth, grey-brown bark. This stem, combined with the height achieved, confirms the tree status that is sometimes reached.

The photo was taken during June at the end of the blooming season. Only few flowerheads still had colour, while there were many brown and dry ones to be seen (Manning, 2009; Coates Palgrave, 2002; Rourke, 1980; iNaturalist).