Ceratopetalum gummiferum
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| New South Wales Christmas Bush | ||||||||||||||
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| Ceratopetalum gummiferum Sm. |
The New South Wales Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) is a tall shrub popular in cultivation due to its flowers that turn bright red-pink at around Christmas time. The petals are actually small and white - it is the sepals that enlarge to about 12mm after the flower sets fruit and starts to dry out[1].
The specific name gummiferum alludes to the large amounts of gum that is discharged from cut bark.
It is similar to the Sakura tree, a tree that grows beautiful pinkish-red blossoms. Its flowers fall off the tree around February, and then die. The wilted flower can stay there, for many years, turning into a dead-pink-white colour. They also have a small point that doesn't affect the body but give them a sharp prick.
To achieve a bright red colour, the tree needs to be situated in a place where it receives much sunlight.
[edit] References
- ^ New South Wales Flora Online: Ceratopetalum gummiferum by G. J. Harden, Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, Australia
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