In the Field: Eucalyptus macrocarpa

Macrocarpa is a very distinctive species of eucalyptus having what Australians usually refer to as a “mallee” type habit of growth. A species that has amazing characteristics including interesting foliage, beautiful flowers, and fascinating bark. Because of the dryness of the habitats in which it evolved, this eucalyptus tends to be extremely drought tolerant, with evergreen, often wax-covered leaves, which appear in different shapes as the plant matures. Macrocarpa’s large, bluish gray leaves are very interesting and look spectacular in arrangements.

Macrocarpa flowers from early spring to mid-summer producing blooms larger than a silver dollar, with brilliantly colored stamens in vibrant vivid pinks and stunning reds. The gum nuts which follow the flowers are also an interesting feature of the tree… they’re very large and have a wonderful powdery grey covering.

Aristata: Welcome Summer Blooms

Protea aristata (aristata = sharp-tipped leaves), was first collected in 1928 near the town of Ladismith in the Cape Province.  Although thought to be common in the Seweweekspoort region, aristata could not be found again until 1953, prior to which it was believed for quite some time that it had become extinct.  Aristata, also known as Ladismith sugarbush, Ambassador sugarbush, Small pine sugarbush and Christmas sugarbush, has become one of South Africa's most famous proteas in spite of its relatively late 'discovery'.

Aristrata provides welcome summer blooms – June through August!  And, this distinctive protea has unusal pine-needle like foliage which provide a lovely background to its striking large and bright crimson flowers.