A good Illawarra Flame Tree in full bloom is a sight to see. It is an Australian native growing in pockets up and down the east coast. It is semi deciduous and loses its leaves before it flowers in early summer just prior to the wet season. You can see the last few leaves on the bottom branches of this little tree. One of three in the garden at the Discovery Centre, it is the only one in flower. The other two are still in full leaf but this one has shed most of its leaves and burst into bloom. View on large to see the bunches of buds that form at the end of the bare branches before opening into little fluted bells that dangle delicately on long stems. Today was dreary and wet and the tree was aflame living up to its name and brightening this corner of our native garden.
@judithg Yes. It is an unpredictable tree flowering wise. Sometimes only half the tree might come into flower another time it won't flower at all. But always threr flowers are a sign of the wet season to come.
