FLORAL FRIDAY FOTOS: October 2026

Thursday, 22 October 2026

FFF774 - THOMASIA

The Large-fruited Thomasia (Thomasia macrocarpa) is an Australian native shrub from the mallow family (Malvaceae). It is a compact, low-growing shrub native to the southwest region of Western Australia.

It has distinctive grey-green, heart-to-oval shaped leaves covered in dense, soft, velvety hairs. Soft lilac-pink, star-shaped pendulous (hanging) blossoms with a prominent central cone are borne in Spring. The flowers are followed by capsules containing black seeds which are shed from the plant when ripe.

This Thomasia is listed as "not threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

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Thursday, 15 October 2026

FFF773 - FLANDERS POPPY

Papaver rhoeas, with common names including common poppy, corn poppy, corn rose, field poppy, Flanders poppy, and red poppy, is an annual herbaceous species of flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. It is a temperate native with a very wide distribution area, from Africa to temperate and tropical Asia and Europe.

It is regarded as an agricultural weed (hence the common names including "corn" and "field"). As the plant thrives in areas of disturbed soil, it was often abundant in agricultural fields before the advent of herbicides. Flushes of poppies may still appear in fields where herbicides are not used, as well as those in fallow.

The corn poppy and its cultivars such as the Shirley poppy are widely grown in gardens, and are frequently found in packets of seed labelled "wildflower mixes". Since World War I, it has been used in the Commonwealth as a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers.

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Thursday, 8 October 2026

FFF772 - KING PROTEA

A vibrant bouquet of King Protea (Protea cynaroides) flowers, which is the iconic national flower of South Africa. These unique, prehistoric-looking blooms feature a large, dome-like central head filled with hundreds of tiny true flowers, completely surrounded by a crown of stiff, colorful, petal-like leaves called bracts. They are highly prized around the world as dramatic focal points in fresh and dried floral arrangements.

King Proteas have several colour forms and horticulturists have recognised 81 garden varieties, some of which have injudiciously been planted in their natural range, threatening the native blooms. In some varieties the pink of the flower and red borders of leaves are replaced by a creamy yellow.

This unusual flower has a long vase life in flower arrangements, and makes for an excellent dried flower. Protea cynaroides is adapted to survive wildfires by its thick underground stem, which contains many dormant buds; these will produce the new growth after the fire.

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Thursday, 1 October 2026

FFF771 - LEMON BLOSSOM

The lemon is both a small evergreen tree (Citrus × limon, often given as C. limon) native to Asia, as well as the tree's ellipsoidal yellow fruit. The fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world – primarily for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used, mainly in cooking and baking, but also in perfumery.

Lemon juice is about 5% to 6% (approximately 0.3 M) citric acid, which gives lemons a sour taste, and a pH of 2–3. Many lemon flavoured drinks and foods are available, including lemonade and sherbet lemons, as well as lemon and seasoning salt as a snack. The distinctive sour taste of lemon juice makes it a key ingredient in many dishes across the world.

Lemon trees produce small white and pink tinged flowers with a yellowish base and five petals. The scent mixes bright citrus with a sweet, waxy floral tone. Perfumers often recreate the note using plant extracts and linalool. Trees need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and protection from cold weather. Lemon trees can have both blossoms, and ripe and unripe fruit concurrently on their branches.