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I know well the glory of flannel flowers (Actinotus helianthi) in bloom, especially en masse, as they are here, forming a guard of honour, contrasting gaily with the greys and duller greens of the ti-tree bush, dead and alive.
But on this walk, I saw plenty that was new to me.
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Like this pretty lilac-flowered small bush, likely Kunzea capitata. I only saw two examples on the whole walk. And spot the ubiquitous pink boronia in the background on the upper right?
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A sole orchid declared its presence with one red flower out and several in waiting above: the Large-tongued Orchid, or Duck-billed Orchid, Crystostylis subulata. I will have to return to see the cluster above when open. My first sighting of this orchid!
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Not pretty, but certainly notable and new to me, was this young tree, bearing the toughtest, most leathery leaves I have ever felt. Their edges were very stiffly serrated.
I am told it is a common small rainforest tree, Veiny Wilkeia or Wilkiea huegeliana.
As always, I am agog at how much the NSW Native Plant Facebook group members know… and how much I have to learn!
I share your love of the flannel flower, Sharyn. perhaps part of my Swiss genes, and the eildewiess…