AN AUSTRALIAN SUNRISE

An Australian sunrise, with an Australian native flower in the picture. This tree is called Banksia Integrifolia, or Coast Banksia, this species grows along the east coast of Australia. Its long green leaves, with a silver underside are very attractive, and its cylindrical shaped yellow flowers attract native birds and other animals. The seed pods are also very ornamental, and are used for decorative purposes.

The interesting thing about this tree, is that the seed can hang on the plant in its cone for years, just waiting for a fire to pass through to release it. Its not only the heat that helps to sprout the seeds, but also the chemicals from the smoke. The seeds are also a favourite of the Yellow-tailed black cockatoo, which is a type of large native parrot. When you walk passed these Banksia's, you will often hear the crunching sound as they crack open the cones.

Photos and content by white.tiger