I have just returned from my visit in October and the bush is even more colourful than last month. There are currently various Verticordias in flower (meaning ‘The Turner of Hearts’ or commonly known as feather flowers – look up-close to see the feathery flower parts). Cyanostegia lanceolata is also putting on a grand display in purple, and there are so many Melaleucas out that the bush turns blue/pink over a long distance. One of my favourite tracks this month was Hills Road. I recommend you go and have a look for yourself! The orange shrubs currently flowering are Eremaea pauciflora, a myrtle that is endemic to the south-west of WA. The compass bush (Allocasuarina pinaster), which has separate male and female plants, and is widespread in the reserve, is in full flower. It has a restricted distribution in the southern Wheatbelt. The female plants bear the big fruit cones and tiny red flowers, the males bear the pollen, which are spread by the wind to the tiny female flowers. You need to look up close to find the female flowers.
My next visit will be 16 to 19 November. If anybody wants to come along, let me know and we can meet up on site. You can reach me by email at tarinrockbook@gmail.com or by phone on 0439978550.
Article by Jolanda Keeble