Waratah
(Telopea speciosissima)Plant Family: Proteaceae
The Waratah is the Floral Emblem of New South Wales.
The genus (category) Telopea is a species of small trees or large shrubs in the Proteaceae plant family, which are native to southeastern Australia.
The Proteaceae plant family are chiefly Australian and southern African and includes the Grevillea and the Banksia.
Found in New South Wales on the Central Coast the South Coast and nearby ranges.
An erect shrub which can grow to 4 metres, with dark green leathery leaves from 13 to 25 cm in length.
The beautiful flowers are actually individual flowers grouped in rounded heads from 7 to 10 cm in diameter that usually grow red but can be pink or even white.
Flowering time is normally from September to November.
Waratah is the aboriginal name and was the name used by the early settlers.
The Waratah was officially prolaimed the New South Wales Floral Emblem on the 24th of October 1962
They are protected and no part of the plant should be picked or collected.
Go to next flora page: Cooktown Orchid
Return from Waratah to Australian-Information-Stories home page
"The Legend of Bimi"
Introduction
There's a tale that begins in the sand hills
That I would like to tell,
Built from myth and many legends,
And my pen it does compel.
The desert's a hot, a hostile place,
Nothing's changed since time began,
There's a hazy unreality there
As if it, in the dreamtime was planned.
The noon of the day is so hot and still,
And over all an expectant hush,
Like a canvas that's waiting impatiently
For the touch of the artists brush.
The fire of the day can change swifly
To the night of startlingly cold,
Many legends are told of the people
Who live in this land so old.
To continue to read the introduction to this wonderful piece of poetry our Mother wrote called
"The Legend of Bimi" just go to our
Epic Poetry page
We know you will love it!