Ever wondered what beautiful flora you were admiring while out hiking? We have, so accompanied by stunning imagery by Edith Rewa we’ve put together a guide to some of the more common Australian native flora.
Banksia serrata
Banksia is a small to medium sized tree from the Proteceae family, with one single trunk, deep green foliage and thick, cork-like bark. This tree produces grey flower spikes and cones and mature size can reach 10m high and 5m wide. Banksia are typically found along the East Coast of Australia and thrive in these sandy conditions. These trees create dense habitat for bird attraction and can regenerate well after bushfire due to their ability to store energy.
Eremophilia neglecta
Eremophilia neglecta grows in the northern part of South Australia and the southern end of the Northern Territory, growing in stony clay on rocky hills, plains and mulga woodland. This shrub has beautiful bright red flowers, which provide food for nectar-feeding birds. The branches are shiny and sticky in texture to the presence of resin. Eremophilia neglecta grows to between 1-2.5m high.
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Eucalyptus orbifolia
Eucalyptus orbifolia, more commonly known as Round-leaved Mallee, is most predominantly found in the inland areas of southern Western Australia, growing in gravelly soils on slopes and ridges. Ranging from 2.5-8m in height, this tree produces yellow flowers in the months between mid-winter and late spring. Eucalyptus orbifolia can be distinguished from it’s minniritch bark, reddish brown in colour and continuously peeling and curling outwards, showing the paler bark underneath.
Grevillea
Grevillea grow in all shapes and sizes; from low growing ground cover to small shrubs and hedges, to tall trees. They are known for their unique flowers in shades of pink and orange, attracting nectar-feeding wildlife. Grevillea flowers were traditionally used by the Indigneous people as “bush lollies,” enjoying the sweet nectar.
Hakea invaginata
Hakea invaginata is a shrub native to the mid-west regions of Western Australia. This spreading shrub flowers from July-Sept, producing pink-purple flowers, and grows to a height of only 1.5-3m.
Kennedia prostrata
Kennedia prostrata, often known as running postman or scarlet runner, is a flowering plant native to the states of Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. First formally described in 1812, this species is naturally adapted to sandy soils and is resistant to drought, while also having tolerance to frost. This prostrate shrub can spread to 1.5m wide, producing scarlet pea flowers between April-November.
To see more of Edith’s beautiful work, you can check her out here @edithrewa or www.edithrewa.com
