The waratah, Telopea speciosissima, is the state flower of New South Wales.
It belongs to the Proteaceae family which includes the protea or sugarbush.
It is fairly widespread on the Central Coast and nearby mountains, growing mainly in open forest as a shrub up to four metres in height.
It has also been grown, and flourishes, in gardens.
Deep red flowers
The waratah is distinguished by a mass of deep red flowers grouped in rounded heads 7 to 10 centimetres in diameter surrounded by crimson bracts.
It was proclaimed the official floral emblem of New South Wales in 1962.
Name derivation
Telopea is derived from the Greek telopos, meaning "seen from afar." Speciosissima is the superlative of the Latin speciosus, meaning "beautiful" or "handsome." Waratah is the Aboriginal name for the species.
Flowering period
The waratah flowers from September to November with nectar-seeking birds acting as pollinators.
(Source: Australian National Botanic Gardens.)
