The Proteaceae family is a diverse group of flowering plants, including over 1,700 species in 82 genera. They are found in a variety of habitats, from rainforests to deserts, and are particularly well-represented in the southern hemisphere.

DNA sequence data has shown that the Proteaceae family originated in Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent that included Africa, South America, Antarctica, Australia, and Madagascar.

As Gondwana began to break apart, the Proteaceae family began to disperse to the various continents. Some species were able to cross the oceans by means of transoceanic dispersal, while others were carried on rafts of vegetation or by animals.

The fossil record supports this hypothesis, as Proteaceae fossils have been found in a number of locations around the world, including Antarctica, South America, Africa, and Australia.

The distribution of Proteaceae species today is a testament to the family's long history and its ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.