Who named the waratah?
The specific name speciosissima is the superlative of the Latin adjective ‘speciosus’, meaning ‘beautiful’ or ‘handsome’. ‘Waratah’, the Aboriginal name for the species, was adopted by early settlers at Port Jackson. Telopea is an eastern Australian genus of four species.
What is the difference between a waratah and a protea?
The bloom of the protea has spectacular textured bracts surrounding a cone-shaped head of tubular flowers. The waratah is very similar with a symmetrical head of tubular flowers framed by spectacular red bracts. Both plants also have similar leathery leaves.
What Colour is the Australian waratah?
Traditionally a crimson colour, hybrids have been developed with colours varying from white to pink and yellow. The waratah is very suitable as a cut flower owing to its structure, texture, colour and good vase life.
Why was the waratah chosen as the NSW emblem?
The waratah flower is a cultural symbol, adorning Australiana ranging from stamps to the state flag of New South Wales. Because it was so common, it helped play a role in developing a colonial Australia’s cultural identity. However, in 1962 the flower was proclaimed the official floral emblem of New South Wales.
Is telopea a good suburb?
One side of Telopea is a very nice there are lots of nice families. The other side near the station and IGA has a LOT of housing commission there are always drunk and drug effected people hanging around the shops asking for money. I have been in the area for 3 years and plan to leave soon as I have a 12 month baby.
Is waratah toxic?
Some species are toxic. The original Waratah is native to a small area of the central coast of New South Wales, and it grows wildly in hilly areas near Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, and on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, whilst other species grow in Victoria and Tasmania.
Are Proteas Australian natives?
Proteas are native to southern Africa and belong to the same family of plants (Proteaceae) as Australia’s native Banksias, Grevilleas and Waratahs. With about 1600 species, it is a major plant group in many southern hemisphere floras.
Do Proteas grow Australia?
Proteas are attractive shrubs originating from South Africa which can be cultivated commercially in Western Australia. The most common proteas belong to the genera Protea, Leucadendron and Leucospermum (pincushion) and Serruria (blushing bride).
Is waratah poisonous?
How big does a Telopea speciosissima plant get?
Telopea speciosissima is an upright shrub to about 3 metres but is often shorter. It usually grows as a single or few-stemmed plant until it is cut back by fire. The plant then regenerates from an underground lignotuber and may become multi-stemmed.
Are there any Telopea plants in the wild?
Not considered to be at risk in the wild. The genus Telopea contains five species all confined to east coast regions from northern New South Wales to Tasmania. Telopea speciosissima is the floral emblem of New South Wales and one of Australia’s most beautiful and spectacular native plants.
What does the name of the Telopea Waratah mean?
Common Name: Waratah. Derivation of Name: Telopea….from Greek telopos, meaning “seen from afar” a reference to the conspicuous flowers. speciosissima….from Latin speciosus, showy and issimus, most. Conservation Status: Not considered to be at risk in the wild.
How tall does a Telopea Shady Lady grow?
Telopea ‘Shady Lady’ is probably the most commonly grown hybrid. While lacking the density of flowers in the inflorescence that T.speciosissima exhibits, this is still an excellent plant which seems easier to maintain in cultivation than T.speciosissima. It is a large, bushy shrub which can reach about 3 metres high.