I is for Isopogon cuneatus

I wasn't sure I'd find an "I" plant but sure enough there they were waiting for me.  Don't you just love these botanical names?  Isopogon is a genus of around 35 species, most of them endemic to Western Australia.  They are part of the Proteaceae family which includes banksias, grevilleas, macadamias and hakeas.  The Isopogons are commonly known as Drumsticks.  I chose this one as I think it rather special.

Isopogon cuneatus comes from an area around Albany in Western Australia and can grow anywhere from half a metre to over 2 metres high. It flowers from the middle of spring until the end of summer, October-February.  The flower is an inflorescent, i.e. many small flowers make one large flower head. It is pale to bright pink in colour and closely resembles a pinwheel style of flower.  It has a long stem with leaves that sit under the flower. They are very popular as cut flowers.

If anyone in Australia should decide to grow Isopogon in their garden, it is best to look up the variety for your area as this will make sure it adapts well to your garden's conditions.  If you're in the eastern states of Oz the yellow flowered Isopogon anemonefolius will be more resilient than the Isopogons endemic to W.A.  In case anyone is interested this is the anemonefolius which I like 'cos it's yellow. Wonder if that would grow in Perth (if available)?