Stenocarpus sinuatus, known as the Firewheel Tree is an Australian rainforest tree in the Proteaceae family. The range of natural distribution is in various rainforest types from the Nambucca River (30° S) in New South Wales to the Atherton Tableland (17° S) in tropical Queensland. However, Stenocarpus sinuatus is widely planted as an ornamental tree in other parts of Australia and in different parts of the world. Other common names include White Beefwood, Queensland Firewheel Tree, Tulip Flower and White Silky Oak.
A medium to large tree, up to 40 metres tall and 75 cm in trunk diameter. The bark is greyish brown, not smooth and irregular. The base of the cylindrical trunk is flanged. Leaves alternate and variable in shape, simple or pinnatifid, the leaf margins wavy, 12 to 20 cm long. Leaf venation is clearly seen above and below the leaf. Leaves are characteristic and easily identified as part of the Proteaceae family.
The ornamental flowers are bright red in umbels, in a circular formation, hence the name Firewheel Tree. Flowers form mostly between February to March. The fruit is a follicle, in a boat shape, 5 to 10 cm long. Inside are many thin seeds 12 mm long. Fruit matures from January to July. Regeneration from fresh seed occurs speedily. Cuttings also strike well.
The flower (as "Wheel Flower") is the subject of some of Australian artist, Margaret Preston's most popular flower prints (see image here, ca 1929).
Join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so.
***If you take part in the meme, please show an active link back to this site on your own blog post!***
Add your own link to the Linky list below and say hello in a comment. Please visit other participants in the meme (I know I've been remiss in visiting all of your entries, however, I am currently very busy with work - I'll be back viewing all your entries as soon as I can! Thank you for your patience and perseverance in linking up, it is appreciated!).
So nice to learn about this plant. In Finland I have seen this in Exotic mix -bouquets at the florist's.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colours.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting.
So wonderful, dear Nick,
ReplyDeletethank you for show us this very interesting Plant.
Have a nice weekend,
greetings
moni
Tropical flowers are always so vibrant and unique!
ReplyDeleteNick, what a fire ball. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful is this plant, dear Nick,
ReplyDeleteShe glows so beautifully.
Have a nice weekend,
greetings
Elke
___________
https://promocia.wordpress.com/