Protea glabra is a tough grower, not shying away from difficult conditions. In habitat it thrives where most Protea species will not become established, let alone last.

Meeting these bushes on their home turf brings the shock home of no turf at all. Rock being more prevalent than sandy soil, the plants are at home here and alluring in their habitat.

While many plants and people prefer their environments greener, these plants turn on the magic for people with an eye for the arid inland parts. Population density is not so high here... neither for people, nor for plants. This type of land comprises a so much larger part of South Africa than fynbos; and these days growing in size (Rourke, 1980; Manning, 2007; Coates Palgrave, 2002; iNaturalist).