One of the most recognizable floral symbols of Australia is the Banksia.
This fascinating plant is one of a few that thrive in the varying climates of our coastal regions.
There are 170 species of the Banksia, ranging in size from small woody shrubs to tall trees up to 30 m in height.
The leaves are usually hard and leather like, that vary in shape from species to species, with all but a few having serrated edges.
With beautifully intricate cone shaped flowers are actually made up of hundreds sometimes thousands of vibrantly colored, perfectly organized tiny flower clusters that vary in colors from yellow, red, bronze, pink and even purple.
The combined effort of these flower clusters just adds to the overall full appearance of the Banksia flower.
This uniquely shaped flower is not only beautiful but are also a rich source of nectar, making them an important food source in the bush.
The indigenous people found the Banksia a very sweet survival treat, with the flowers they would either suck the nectar from it directly or soak it in a bark or a wooden bowl with some water creating a very naturally very sweet energy drink.
The Aborigines also found that the Silver Banksia's dried flowers could be used to strain drinking water and that Banksia wood could make tools for weaving mats and baskets.
This amazing Australian is also said to have the most efficient root system in nature it can extract nutrients from some of the worst soil conditions.
It is said to absorb 12 times more phosphorus than most plants.
Another unique feature of the Banksia plant is that it has naturally adapted to regular bush fires.
Some species have a thick layer of bark surrounding the plant allowing it to be somewhat fire resistant and re-shoot soon after the threat has past.
Whilst others are stimulated to drop and open their seed pods, re-germinating the bush with new life.
Despite this fascinating adaptation and overall hardy Australian persona some species of the Banksia have still managed to make it onto the endangered list.
Mostly due to the deforestation, since European settlement we have sadly lost a lot of the old forests to the wheels of progress.
These fascinating plants have colored our landscape and sweetened the air, for longer than we have been here to see them.
Maybe we should all take some time to smell the Banksia's.