Waratah
Telopea speciosissima
Family: Proteaceae · Also called New South Wales Waratah, Telopea, Embothrium speciosissimum, Embothrium spathulatum, Embothrium speciosum
Earthy & Warm · Spring bloomer
The waratah is Australia's most iconic flower, a single, dense dome of crimson flowers surrounded by a ring of curved red bracts, creating a bloom up to 6 inches across that glows like a beacon in the eucalypt bush. Rising on strong, straight stems above leathery dark leaves, it's a flower of uncompromising boldness.
courage, tenacity, beauty, survival
In the Victorian language of flowers, waratah means “Beautiful in your courage”. The floral emblem of New South Wales and one of Australia's most recognizable native flowers. The name comes from the Eora Aboriginal word 'warada' meaning 'red flowering tree.' It appears on the NSW coat of arms and is the logo of the NSW Waratahs rugby team. Aboriginal people harvested the nectar as a sweet drink and used the wood for tools.
Did You Know?
Waratahs regenerate from lignotubers (underground woody root stocks) after bushfire, the plant is essentially immortal, with some lignotubers estimated to be hundreds of years old. Each flower head contains 200-250 individual flowers. The species name 'speciosissima' means 'most beautiful', one of the highest compliments a botanist can bestow.
Eucalypt forest and sandstone bushland in the Sydney region, on sandy, well-drained soils
Waratah is native to Australia (New South Wales). It naturally grows in eucalypt forest and sandstone bushland in the sydney region, on sandy, well-drained soils.
Scent Profile
“A sweet nectar-honey scent from the copious nectar, waratah flower heads are among the most nectar-rich in the Australian bush, attracting honeyeaters and larger birds from great distances.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameTelopea speciosissima
- FamilyProteaceae
- Native ToAustralia (New South Wales)
- Bloom SeasonSpring
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
The floral emblem of New South Wales and one of Australia's most recognizable native flowers. The name comes from the Eora Aboriginal word 'warada' meaning 'red flowering tree.' It appears on the NSW coat of arms and is the logo of the NSW Waratahs rugby team. Aboriginal people harvested the nectar as a sweet drink and used the wood for tools.