Spectacular winter plants in the Gardens

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Grevillea obtusifolia         Photo:  Jill More
Grevillea obtusifolia Photo: Jill More

There is never a ‘wrong time’ to visit the Australian National Botanical Gardens, and there are some special winter treats on display at the moment.

Apart from the many beautiful banksias, grevilleas and hakeas flowering throughout the Gardens, it is wonderful to see the flowers of the wind-pollinated casuarinas, several of which are rare or threatened species and can be seen around the Visitor Information Centre. Most casuarinas are dioecious (the male and female flowers are on separate plants).

The female Allocasuarina littoralis at the bottom of the steps near the bus shelter is displaying its red flowers and cones while the male plants are covered in brownish catkins loaded with pollen. There is a male plant in full flower at the bottom of the carpark near the rainforest. A spectacular view of these plants can also be seen at the top of the Gardens from the Flora Explorer bus which takes visitors around the Gardens on weekends and public holidays.

A wander among the hakeas in Section 21 of the Proteaceae section leads along a brilliantly green mossy path, the colour a great contrast to those in the Red Centre Garden.

 

Moss among the hakeas        Photo: Jill More

Male casuarina flowers   Photo: Jill More

 

Watch out for birds as you walk. Apart from the regulars there are also lots of wintering small birds around, including flocks of tiny Red-browed Firetails which particularly love the Brittle Gum Lawn.  Remember to bring your camera and binoculars. Pick up a map and In Flower This Week (prepared by the Friends) at the Visitor Centre.