MPARNTWE FOR THE PLANT LOVERS
a recent RETURN TO alice springs IN AUSTRALIA’s INTERIOR reveals the remarkable vitality of the CENTRAL LANDSCAPE. a SEASON teeming with colour, texture and resilience, where life flourishes in unexpected ways.
A VISUAL reminder that some of Australia’s most extraordinary wildflowers flourish in the harshest conditions.
LEGUMES OF LANDSCAPE
Sturts Desert Peas (Swainsona formosa) is the iconic rambling legume, holding its prominent scarlet circle of lobed flowers above the silver ground-covering foliage. The flowers commence ina soft coral ripening to the bold black centre.
Images: Public plantings of Sturt’s desert peas in rapid abundance, with the extensive central rainfall dotted through the precincts of Alice Springs.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Plant people naturally seek other practitioners wherever we travel. Being part of a community practice with shared passions for plants is always an immediate connector. Our thanks to the team at Desert Park to share the wonders of their conservation efforts and more.
Images: Seed collection and cleaning, the brilliance of the Green Bird Flower (Crotalaria cunninghamii), propagation for the Desert Park’s renowned displays, sweeps of Clustered Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum), the seasonal annuals in their delight.
Floating FlowERS
Mulla Mulla and Feather tails are in abundance in the surrounds of Alice Springs ranges and arid plains. The plant genus of Ptilotus is a hero of the centre. The soft cloud-like inflorescence is a dramatic contrast to the harsh and heat.
Images: The green Ptilotus nobilis, sweeps and expansive drifts of the magenta Ptilotus helipteroides and silver mounds of Ptilotus obovatus.
Eastern ARRErNTE
Vegetation is verdant, responding to the wet year in the centre of Australia and bodes well for wildflower displays to come. Unusually, water bodies and rivers make for immersive crossings, coursing through the landscape and are visible from any flight.
Images: The red rock ranges that form spine-like backbones across the region. Bush tomatoes are prolific, and a resurgence of desert ferns in niches and crevices. The rocky surrounds puncuations by spinafex and shrub
