Thank you to Bill Higham@Flickr, of Hobart, Tasmania, for sharing today’s image with us (original). Not only is Bill a skilled photographer, but he’s also a poet and writer; you can read some of his work at his website: The Cut Monkey. Much appreciated!
Over seventy species of Calytrix are recognized. All are endemic to Australia. Calytrix tetragona, or common fringe-myrtle, is widely distributed through southern and eastern Australia. It is a shrubby species reaching about 2m (6 ft.) in height at maturity. Flowering is typically in Australia’s spring, though it can flower throughout the year, which seems to be the instance in this case as it appears Bill photographed this individual in March.
Variation in flower colour (ranging to pink) and calyx colour (maturing to a deep-red) can occur, as documented on the site of the Australian Native Plant Society: Calytrix tetragona.
Wonderful web link. The Cut Monkey is a beautiful site. Thanks for sharing it.
Fantastic calyx awns!
thank you for showing us this pretty flowering plant
the links and pictures on the aussie native plant society
are just fine-nice to know ti’s not in danger in the wild
thank you daniel and company
lovely simplicity! should be more widely cultivated. thank you
What a gorgeous photo! The lighting and the detail are so beautiful. Can you tell me what the rust colored strands that lace themselves through the flowers are called? They appear to be extensions of the sepals.
Emily,
As per Douglas Justice’s comment above, I believe those are calyx awns. Not a term I could have come up with by myself! But knowing those two terms, and putting two & two together… 🙂
Now if only I can remember it.
thankyou all – I am glad you enjoyed the photo and the website and thankyou Daniel for your kind words – cheers – Bill Higham