In our coastal heathlands it has been wonderful to see so many bushes of Ixodia, Ixodia archillaeoides subsp. alata, with delightful clusters of small vivid white papery flowers standing up strongly in the all-pervasive dryness. They contrast so well with the rich-green, narrow sticky leaves which tend to curl downwards.
Ixodia
With autumn on our doorstep seed pods become a feature, and what better than the numerous and appealing pods of Sweet Bursaria, Bursaria spinosa. They start out looking pinkish, then turn green and finally a rich brown. The name component ‘Bursa’ is Latin and means ‘purse’ as the seed-case looks like a purse, and the seeds may rattle like money until eventually being released as if from a purse.
Sweet Bursaria
The luscious-looking red berries on the female plants of Seaberry Saltbush, Rhagodia candolleana subsp. candolleana, are currently very visible in our coastal areas, and are providing a great feed for Sulphur-crested Cockatoos.
Ellinor Campbell