Bottle Brush
Bottlebrushes belong to the Callistemon and Mytraceae families and are closely related to paperbark melaleucas which have similar shaped flowers and spikes to the Bottlebrush. Most Bottle brushes can be found in the east and south-east of Australia as well as in the south west of Western Australia However some species are even found growing in the tropical north! Bottlebrushes usually grow in damp conditions and can be found in creek beds and areas which are often flooded. The flowers and spikes on bottle brushes form in spring and summer, the stalk on which the flowers form is what gives the bottle brush its distinctive shape and colour which is usually yellow or red. Bottlebrushes grow to a height of around 3-3.6 metres and bloom extremely beautiful flowers which attract numerous insects and birds that feed on its nectar. Every flower on the bottle brush produces a small fruit which contains numerous seeds, the fruits form in clusters and are held onto the plant for a few years until the fruit is released. Bottlebrush plants live between 15 and 45 years and due to their extremely colourful flowers and low maintenance are commonly grown as garden plants.
Australian International Botanical gardens: http://www.cpbr.gov.au/gnp/interns-2011/calothamnus-quadrifidus.html
accessed 6/08/14.
Stives Show: http://www.stiveshow.com.au accessed 6/08/14.
accessed 6/08/14.
Stives Show: http://www.stiveshow.com.au accessed 6/08/14.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus or gum trees are an extremely important part of Australian culture and are often associated with the Australian bush and are featured in numerous iconic Australian photographs and paintings. Eucalyptus trees can be found almost anywhere throughout Australia apart from high alpine areas but are scarce in areas such as rainforests and arid areas. Eucalyptus trees have leaves which appear alternate and quite smooth bark which covers the entire trunk. There are over 700 species of Eucalyptus which are mostly found throughout Australia. However, a few species are even found in areas of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia! Eucalyptus trees are considered extremely fast growing and can grow up to anywhere between 10-60 + metres. Most Eucalyptus trees are evergreen which means they remain green and retain their leaves all year round. Eucalyptus leaves contain numerous oil glands which can be viewed in direct sunlight and appear as yellowish structures in fresh leaves and black dots in dried leaves. The oil glands of Eucalyptus leaves secrete Eucalyptus oil which is often used for medicinal purposes. Eucalyptus trees are a vital resource of Australia and have numerous purposes and uses including food, timber, firewood, shelter for numerous birds and animals etc. It is extremely important that native Australian flora and fauna is conserved to ensure their existence and use for future generations.
Design Research: http://www.designresearchla.wordpress.com.au accessed 6/08/14. Atlas of Living Australia: http://www.ala.com.au accessed 6/08/14.
Waratah
The Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) derived from its Aboriginal name meaning ‘red flowering tree’ is a shrub with large bright red flowers which is commonly found in south eastern parts of Australia including New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. The Waratah belongs to the Proteaceae family which all flower large bright, colourful families. Waratah shrubs grow to a height of around 4 metres and their flowers have a diameter of around 7-10 centimetres. Waratahs flower from September to November and pollinated by numerous native birds. Waratah shrubs are often long lived and even resist bushfires through regeneration! Waratahs are often grown in gardens however; they require a lot of maintenance and little shade. Waratahs are extremely well known throughout Australia as they became New South Wales official flower emblem in 1962 and have also featured in numerous artworks, architecture and various advertising campaigns. Waratahs are conserved in areas such as Sydney Basin, Brisbane Water, Dharug national park and Macquarie pass national park. This conservation ensures that the Waratah will be protected and will remain a true Australian icon for years to come.