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One of the many highlights of springtime in the Blue Mountains is the beacon brightness of waratahs in bloom.

There are five species of waratahs (Telopea) in Australia, and they can be found in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. The most recognisable waratah is Telopea speciosissima, which is found in New South Wales. It is from the Proteaceae family, and features bright blooms and tightly packed flowers.

Coming across a waratah when having a wander is always a joy to me. Even on dull days, there is a luminosity to the plants which draws the eye.

Waratahs can be difficult to propagate, but different cultivars have been developed over the years. These include red waratahs with white tips (fire and ice), and pink blooms. The white waratah shown above was spotted on a walk around the neighbourhood.

Of course, birds and insects are fond of waratahs too. The photo above shows a Little Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera) pausing after exploring the depths of a flower at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah.

The national floral emblem of Australia is the wattle, but for a while the waratah was also a contender. Wattle is found in most parts of the country, and ended up as the emblem.

Have you wandered across a waratah lately?

Photo: Waratah on a bush track