Identifying A Flower

[AR49]

Can anyone identify a flower that looks like a cross between a tulip and a globe artichoke?
They are fairly large and have a woody stem. Those that I were given were burgundy in colour and I've no idea what they are.

[EcclesCake]

Sounds like a Protea to me. Scroll down here http://www.cutflowers.net.au/a-closer-look-at-nsw-cut-flower-exports/

[Togo]

http://i68.tinypic.com/2e0jwix.jpg

If it looks anything like this AR it may be a Bottlebrush plant. The Bottlebrush in our garden is just developing flowers that are not yet open and they look a little like your description I suppose. Can you post an image?

[Prudie]

Definitely agree with Eccles on Protea, they are really popular as trendy additions to bouquets, often dyed

[Togo]

http://i65.tinypic.com/2mgqelk.jpg

This is the bottlebrush in our back at present. Is it like this AR?

[AR49]

Thank you all for your answers. The photo uploaded by EcclesCake proves it is a Protea.

[Chipchopper]

Just from your description, the first thing to spring to mind was a globe thistle but I may be way off.
Anyhow good luck with your search!

[Chipchopper]

How about a Bromeliad ?