A few weeks ago, Liz Hardman posted some stunning Protea or Suikerbos flowers on what is one of my favorite blogs, Nature on the Edge. If you are interested in South Africa’s Cape Peninsula, the conflict between its native wildlife and humans, but above all excellent photography, I can’t recommend this blog high enough.
Suikerbossies are iconic South African plants, and, although cultivated as cut flowers, don’t occur naturally in Western Australia. But what Proteas are for Southern Africa, Grevilleas are for Australia, Indonesia and New Guinea: both are part of the same family, with common ancestors growing in the super-continent of Gondwana tens of millions years ago.
The wildflower season is not in full swing yet, but on a recent venture on the granite outcrops in Beelu NP I discovered the majestic Fuchsia Grevillea (Grevillea bipinnatifida) as well as the Sea Urchin Hakea (Hakea petiolaris), another member of the family, showing their flowers and delicate textures. Nectar abound, so time for the honeyeaters to star in the upcoming posts!
Interesting post and beautiful photographs.
Thanks Belinda, glad you like the post. Gondwana and its ancient plant history are fascinating!
What stunning plants! I’ve never seen the sea urchin Hakea – amazing! We grew some grevillea in San Francisco. The hummingbirds loved them.
I’ve never seen anything like either of these. Marvelous!
janet
I guess we are very lucky to have so many beautiful endemic flowers and plants over here in WA, Janet 😀
Thanks for sharing your interesting and fascinating native flowers. I also love and follow Liz’s blog.
You’re welcome Ashley, and thanks for stopping by!
Such beautiful flowers Maurice! Always love seeing what you find on your trips the wild – it is so different from our fauna.
It sooo different indeed, Inger. I don’t think the Grevilleas would like the cold Norwegian winter!