How are Waratahs adapted?

Waratah is adapted to the life in extreme conditions. It can survive wildfires thanks to numerous dormant buds located in the underground stem (swollen lignotuber), which start to sprout shortly after the fire. Waratah is often used in the floristry because of its beautiful flowers that have long vase life.

Is waratah an evergreen?

Telopea speciosissima or New South Wales Waratah is a spectacular, evergreen shrub grown for its flame-like, domed, red flowers.

Where do Waratahs grow in Australia?

New South Wales
The New South Wales Waratah grows naturally in patches of sandy loam on ridges and plateaus in the Sydney geological basin, the Central and South Coast districts and the Blue Mountains of New South Wales.

Where is waratah plant located?

Australia
Waratah (Telopea) is an Australian-endemic genus of five species of large shrubs or small trees, native to the southeastern parts of Australia (New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania).

What does a waratah plant look like?

Waratahs grow from a modified stem called a ‘lignotuber,’ which allows the plant to produce masses of shoots after bush fires. These are capped by the instantly recognisable crimson flower heads, which are made up of many tiny florets which open from the bottom of the flower head to the top.

What do waratah seeds look like?

The seed pods are a bean-like shape. They hang down from the position of the original flowers in groups, the number depending on how many flowers have been pollinated. They are firstly green, and as they mature they turn brown and become more woody.

Is a waratah a tree?

The tree waratah is a spectacular flowering large tree from North Queensland rainforest areas. It grows to 25 metres there, but is smaller in cultivation….Alloxylon flammeum – Tree Waratah.

Family: Proteaceae
Other Common Names: Red Silky Oak
Plant Type: Small tree, Large tree
Height: 15 ~ 30 metres
Width: 5 ~ 10 metres

What Colour are waratahs?

The majority of waratah flowers are red and pink, with the size and shape varying. There is also a creamy yellow variety known as ‘Wirrimbirra White’.

Is waratah an Aboriginal word?

The waratah is the official floral emblem of the state of New South Wales. It is well known for its crimson coloured flowers, which bloom from September to November. Waratah, comes from the Eora Aboriginal word ‘warada’ meaning ‘beautiful’ or ‘seen from afar’.

Do waratahs like full sun?

Arguably the most-loved native flower. As a rule, waratahs enjoy a sunny spot with morning sun under gum trees, as they are found in nature. Keep the root zone protected with sandstone rocks and gravel. Choose a sheltered spot away from strong winds, especially as winds can cause petal burn during flowering.

Why are waratahs red?

Eventually Wonga lost her battle with life and died as she laid upon the waratah bushes. This is why today most waratah flowers are red, coloured by the blood of Wonga the Pigeon as long ago she flew from flower to flower in search of her mate.

How do waratahs grow?