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 Styphelia laeta.
Last week you will recall that I visited the Annangrove Community Environment Centre.
Whilst walking along their Wildflower Walk I came across a small spreading shrub which can sometimes grow up to around 1.5 metres tall.
Because there are variations in flower colour it has been given the name of Variable Five Corners (Styphelia laeta).
This shrub will grow in the open forest, as well as woodland heath in sandstone soils or sandy clay.
The flower tends toward pink as it becomes older, and the flowering period is from March to July.
There are related red and pink varieties which are not as common, but can be found in a similar habitat.
The plant derives its name from the five stamens that extend beyond the tubular flower.
The fruit of both varieties are said to be edible.
When walking in the bush it is sometimes easy to miss some of the smaller plants that may be obscured by taller, more vigorous-growing shrubs.
Some of the most intricately formed native flowers can be located in among bushy undergrowth at, or near, ground level.
As you walk along local bush land tracks it is a good idea to look both left and right, as well as upwards and downwards.
Annangrove Community Environment Centre conducts a workshop which introduces people to Australian wild flowers and includes a guided walk along the track behind the centre.
■ April 28, 2014: The Hairpin banksia (Banksia spinulosa);
■ 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).