FLORA
Triodia (Spinifex)
Triodia is a native grass plant that is found in desert areas of Australia, commonly known as spinifex. It covers 22% of all of Australia, and there is 64 species recognised internationally now. Spinifex plants survive best in the driest dirt and sands available, so they flourish in the arid environments of Central Australia, although it have slight adaptations to help itself survive there. One of these is the length of its roots. Roots often go as far as three metres into the ground to take as much water from the soil as possible. The roots usually develop for each branch, so each branch has its own water supply. The leaves and branches are also very stiff due to the high levels of silica. The silica can help with the heat on the plants, and also increase it length of life. Spinifex isn’t digestible by animals other than termites as it is low in nitrogen and phosphorus. Traditionally, spinifex was used by the Aboriginals to create shelters and burned for smoke signals, as it produces an easily visible black smoke. They also used the seeds to make seedcakes, and the resin was used in the place of glue in spears.
Triodia is a native grass plant that is found in desert areas of Australia, commonly known as spinifex. It covers 22% of all of Australia, and there is 64 species recognised internationally now. Spinifex plants survive best in the driest dirt and sands available, so they flourish in the arid environments of Central Australia, although it have slight adaptations to help itself survive there. One of these is the length of its roots. Roots often go as far as three metres into the ground to take as much water from the soil as possible. The roots usually develop for each branch, so each branch has its own water supply. The leaves and branches are also very stiff due to the high levels of silica. The silica can help with the heat on the plants, and also increase it length of life. Spinifex isn’t digestible by animals other than termites as it is low in nitrogen and phosphorus. Traditionally, spinifex was used by the Aboriginals to create shelters and burned for smoke signals, as it produces an easily visible black smoke. They also used the seeds to make seedcakes, and the resin was used in the place of glue in spears.
Kangaroo Paw
Kangaroo paw is a native Australian flower, originally from the South West of Australia. It is named after the tubular shape of the flower buds. They come in varying colours from yellow to black, although the first varieties were yellow and red flowers. The leaves can grow to 60cm, while a whole plant can reach 1.8m in the wild. They are able to survive our dry conditions, as there is sap in the stems. Most varieties bloom during summer and spring, although a few bloom in early winter. Kangaroo paw also tend to attract birds from the bright colours. The flowers are covered in tiny hairs. These do multiple things, one being a strange taste. This means that hunters don’t want to eat them, therefore they can survive for longer. They are also used to store water in as they catch water droplets.
Kangaroo paw is a native Australian flower, originally from the South West of Australia. It is named after the tubular shape of the flower buds. They come in varying colours from yellow to black, although the first varieties were yellow and red flowers. The leaves can grow to 60cm, while a whole plant can reach 1.8m in the wild. They are able to survive our dry conditions, as there is sap in the stems. Most varieties bloom during summer and spring, although a few bloom in early winter. Kangaroo paw also tend to attract birds from the bright colours. The flowers are covered in tiny hairs. These do multiple things, one being a strange taste. This means that hunters don’t want to eat them, therefore they can survive for longer. They are also used to store water in as they catch water droplets.
Flannel Flower
The flannel flower is a white, daisy like flower that is native to Australia, particularly The New South Wales coast, and South -Eastern Queensland. It is named after the soft, flannel-like feel of the petals. The plant can grow from 0.5m up to 1.5m in height, and are usually shrub-like in appearance. They have shallow roots, meaning they cannot tolerate heavy winds, and survive best in sunny/ partly-sunny areas, and can take light frost once they are established. Flannel flowers are heavily linked to Sydney and New South Wales, and were made the floral emblem of New South Wales for the Centenary of Federation in 2001. After bushfires, excessive amounts of flannel flowers are found as the flourish in the conditions.
The flannel flower is a white, daisy like flower that is native to Australia, particularly The New South Wales coast, and South -Eastern Queensland. It is named after the soft, flannel-like feel of the petals. The plant can grow from 0.5m up to 1.5m in height, and are usually shrub-like in appearance. They have shallow roots, meaning they cannot tolerate heavy winds, and survive best in sunny/ partly-sunny areas, and can take light frost once they are established. Flannel flowers are heavily linked to Sydney and New South Wales, and were made the floral emblem of New South Wales for the Centenary of Federation in 2001. After bushfires, excessive amounts of flannel flowers are found as the flourish in the conditions.