I guess I was referring to the family name Proteaceae not the genus, often referred to as Proteas. This naming has been approved by the International Protea association. Proteaceaes can be found in Australia, South Africa and South America and a scattering of other places. I think of them all incorrectly as Australian because over the years I have bought several from
Australian Native Plants Nursery
Australian Native Plants Nursery • December 2009 • 800.701.6517
After checking my references it does look like the genus protea, commonly known as Sugar Bushes originate from Africa though new hybrids are developed everywhere.