Each week, environmental photographer and keen bush-walker Lachlan Turner will introduce his readers to plants and animals he’s uncovered in western Sydney's bushland and reserve areas. This week the Community Environment Centre volunteer talks to us about the Hairpin banksia.
This week's featured plant can be found in flower during March to September.
The Hairpin banksia (Banksia spinulosa) is a common banksia, not only in bushland areas but also in many suburban gardens, preferring a sunny but protected open location.
When driving along Annangrove Road in Annangrove recently I noticed a sign to the Community Environment Centre, so I went and had a look.
Located in Currie Avenue (adjacent to Annangrove Park), the centre is open to the public every Thursday and features a demonstration "Waterwise Garden" where a variety of flowering native plants and shrubs with differing water requirements are displayed.
Volunteers at the centre have developed a seasonal wildflower walk through the bushland behind the centre.
When walking along this track, I found this week’s flower in bloom.
To read Mr Turner's previous columns, click on the dates below:
■ April 14, 2014: The Flax-leafed Wattle (Acacia linifolia);
■ April 7, 2014: The Narrow-leafed Geebung (Persoonia linearis);
■ March 31, 2014: Old Man Banksia (Banksia serrata);
■ March 24, 2014: The Forest Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea media).
