The Bottlebrush

Bottlebrush-genus Callistemon: f/4; 1/80sec; ISO-200

Bottlebrush-genus Callistemon: f/4; 1/80sec; ISO-200

Fancy naming a unique Australian flowering tree a bottlebrush!! Good old Aussie humour has permeated official botanical nomenclature. But it cannot be denied: this glorious native Australian – genus Callistemon – does resemble that cylindrical brush we have all used once in our lives to wash out bottles.

Bottlebrush-genus Callistemon: f/3.5; 1/800sec; ISO-100

Bottlebrush-genus Callistemon: f/3.5; 1/800sec; ISO-100

Most of the 40 known Bottlebrush species occur in the east and south-east of Australia. Two species occur in the south-west of Western Australia and four in New Caledonia. Some species are thirsty buggers, growing in wet conditions such as along creek beds or in areas which are prone to floods. Yet others are very hardy and will tolerate drought. However all bottlebrush species thrive in the brilliance of a full Australian sun, and will return the favour by producing the very best flowers.

Australian Bottlebrush distribution

Australian Bottlebrush distribution

Bottlebrush-genus Callistemon: f/4; 1/200sec; ISO-200

Bottlebrush-genus Callistemon: f/4; 1/200sec; ISO-200

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