Waratahs (Telopea speciosissima) Photo: Dianne Page
Woody Pear (Xylomelum pyriforme) Photo: Alan Page
Both belong to the Proteaceae family -
- Waratah (Telopea speciosissima), and
- Woody Pear (Xylomelum pyriforme).
The Waratah is found from Newcastle to Ulladulla and west to Lithgow - fully covering the Greater Blue Mountains.
The Woody Pear covers a similar area but is also found on the NSW North Coast.
Waratah or Woody Pear? Photo: Alan Page
Is the plant shown here a Waratah or a Woody Pear?
Both species are 2-3 metre erect shrubs to small trees and regrow from lignotubers after fire.
Their leaves are similar and they're often found near each other.
It's hard to differentiate between them - except for one clear difference.
Woody Pear's leaves are opposite - Waratah's aren't.
This plant is a Woody Pear.
Waratah Photo: Dianne Page
The word "waratah" is Aboriginal for "beautiful", and "Telopea" is Greek for "seen from afar".
Admiring Waratahs in bloom is a highlight of many Blue Mountains bushwalks in spring.
On a walk last year out to Hanging Rock and Baltzer Lookout near Blackheath (Burramoko Trail), I stopped several times and counted the Waratah flower-heads in a 360 degree sweep.
The first time I stopped I counted almost 20, the next time 50 or so. The biggest tally was over 80.
The Waratah is the Floral emblem of NSW.
The Waratah in bud, flower and fruit.
(not the same plant)
Waratah bud (Dianne Page)
Waratah flower (Dianne Page)
Waratah fruit (Dianne Page)
Woody Pear Photo: Alan Page
The velvety tactile new growth makes you reach out and gently touch its leaves.
The flowers remind you of other members of its family - grevilleas, banksias and hakeas.
The 7cm long pear-shaped fruit completes this unique plant.
Both the Xylomelum and Telopea genus are endemic to Australia.
The Woody Pear in bud, flower and fruit.
(not the same plant)
Woody Pear bud (Alan Page)
Woody Pear flower (Alan Page)
Woody Pear fruit (Alan Page)
