Tasmanian waratah
Telopea truncata
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
An upright shrub. It can grow 1-3 m tall. The leaves occur at right angles to the stem. The leaves are sword shaped and widest away from the stem. The leaves are 6-12 cm long. The leaves are dark green. The lower leaf surface is paler than the upper surface. The flowers are at the ends of the branches. The flowers are in a half round shape and large. They are usually red but can be yellow. The fruit is a dark brown pod-like follicle. The seeds are in rows and have wings.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in lower mountain regions in Tasmania. It needs well-drained but well-watered soil. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Nectar