E...ven more West Aussie wildflowers

Elythranthera emarginata, known as the Pink Enamel Orchid is a glossy orchid that grows in the southwest corner of Western Australia; in general the area surrounding Perth to Albany.  It has pink star shaped flowers with similar sized petals and sepals.  The flowers are shiny giving it an enamelled appearance, and are about 4cm across.  It flowers in spring from about October to December.  The plant is often seen in groups and can sometimes form colonies.  The leaves are green and an elongated oval shape, tapering towards the tip.  It grows to a height of about 25cm and is found in damp soils in swamps and also near creeks.

Eutaxia myrtifolia is a shrub species in the family Fabaceae and endemic to Western Australia.  Plants may be prostrate or up to 2 metres high.  Yellow and red pea-shaped flowers are produced throughout the year in the species native range.  It occurs in woodland, shrubland and heath in the coastal region between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Arid.

The species has a reputation as a reliable shrub in cultivation where it has usually been known by the names of Dillwynia obovata or Eutaxia obovata.  It is well suited to being grown in rockeries, containers or other situations providing good drainage.  It is resistant to mild frosts and can be grown in coastal areas, with some protection.  Pruning after flowering promotes more compact growth. Cultivated plants usually range between 0.75 and 1 metre high and slightly less in width.  Plants may be propagated from cuttings or scarified seed.  (I must see if I can buy this one as I would like it in my garden).

I hadn't intended to include any of the eucalypts as there are so many of them but this particular 'gum' tree is one of the most spectacular of the eucalypts when in flower.  It is seen in parks and gardens and on roadsides in Perth and always look so conspicuous.  I always love it each year when the erythrocorys are in bloom.

Eucalyptus erythrocorys commonly known as Illyarrie or red-capped gum, is a mallee that grows north of Perth, on undulating limestony sites near Dongara, and also north of Kalbarri in Western Australia.

It is a small tree. 3-10metres tall.  The bark is smooth but can have a few rough patches where it persists on the trunk instead of being shed.  The leaves are dark green and sickle-shaped.  It is notable for its big flowers which can be up to 5cms or more across.  They are bright yellow, being covered by a bright red cap (operculum) when in bud, giving the epithet ertythrocorys (red helmet).  The flowers are so heavy they often weigh the tree down.  The stamens are arranged in 4 bundles and the fruits are ribbed with a red top.

and different forms of the tree itself