45/70 D007 Australian Flora--Bottlebrush Tree

The Bottlebrush tree (Callistemon) is one of the most peculiar plants I met in Australia because its flowers really look like bottlebrushes dyed with different colors. In fact, the brush is a collection of individual blooms.Like Waratah, the original bottlebrushes were all in red but now the cultivated yellow flowers become common. And it's said there exist many other colors, such as white, pink, mauve and green. But they are less popular than red and yellow. Bottlebrush flowers have no perfume, but still are great attractors for their gorgeous colors.

The bottlebrush is an evergreen shrub with a height of around 2 meters.It is a native plant of Australia. Most bottlebrushes grow well in the temperate parts, such as the east and southeast of Australia. It requires minimal maintenance and its striking flowers make them one of most popular Australian species of flora among plant growers. In the place where I live, bottlebrush trees can be seen everywhere.

Each flower produces a small woody fruit containing hundreds of tiny seeds. These fruits form in clusters along the stem, and are usually held on the plant for many years. Fire can stimulate the opening of the fruits.

Bottlebrush flowers were used as a natural energy drink by the indigenous people.Its essential oil can harmonize a room by bringing tranquil healing vibes. But most bottlebrush trees planted here are just for its decoration.