Commonly known as conebushes,[3] they typically have prickly, divided foliage and produce prominently-displayed pink, yellow or cream flowers followed by grey, conical fruits.

[4] The genus Petrophile was first formally described in 1809 by Joseph Knight in On the cultivation of the plants belonging to the natural order of Proteeae, preempting publication of the same name by Robert Brown in his book On the natural order of plants called Proteaceae.

[5][6] The name Petrophile is derived from the Greek words petra = rock and philos = seeking or preferring, referring to the rocky habitat in which some species grow.

[8] Plants in this genus, particularly those from Western Australia, require a freely draining soil.

They tolerate periods of dryness and mild frosts and will grow well in full sun or part shade.