Orange Pincushion (Leucospermum Cordifolium) Protea & friend by Adrian Paul

Adrian Paul

Orange Pincushion (Leucospermum Cordifolium) Protea & friend by

This image of the Orange Pincushion Protea, a variety of leucospermum endangered in its native South Africa, was taken in King’s Park Perth, Western Australia. I was initially attracted to the exotic African flower and then spied the bee, which very patiently waited while I set up my camera. After one shot he flew away!

Habit: Rounded shrub to 2m across
Fire survival: Killed, only seeds survive
Sexual system: Both sexes in each flower
Flowers: August – January
Pollinator: Birds
Fruit: Released 2 months after flowering
Seed dispersal: Ants
Seed storage: Underground in ants nests
Rarity status: Not threatened
Habitat: Acidic sandy soils: 30-500m
Distribution: Agulhas from Kogelberg to Bredasdorp (South Africa).,

Camera Nikon D80. Lens Nikon Macro 70-200 VR zoom. No filter.

WINNER OF THE FLOWERS CHALLENGE IN THE RETIRED AND HAPPY GROUP

FEATURED in PROTEAS AND FRIENDS

FEATURED IN PROTEAS, LEUCADENDRON, LEUCOSPERMUM, OROTHAMNUS & SERRURIA

FEATURED IN ENDANGERED PLANTS

FEATURED IN KINGS PARK, PERTH

1502 views as at 8 December 2010

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About Adrian Paul

I am a retired secondary school English teacher and live in Coffs Harbour (NSW) Australia.

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Tags

nature, perth, protea, bee, african, pincushion, flower, orange

Comments

  • coffeetea
    coffeeteaover 3 years ago

    excellent macro! such a rare plant… beautiful

  • Thanks coffeetea. I was lucky to get this one.

    – Adrian Paul

  • Caroline Gorka
    Caroline Gorkaover 3 years ago

    Exquisite detail :)

  • Thank you for your positive comment, Caroline and also for adding me to your watchlist.

    – Adrian Paul

  • Sharon Johnstone
    Sharon Johnstoneover 3 years ago

    Stunning shot!!!!

  • Grace Leung
    Grace Leungover 3 years ago

    Gorgeous colours & amazingly sharp! would also love to see it with the bee cropped out for an abstract image.

  • Thank you. That is an interesting suggestion. I might try it and see what the result looks like.

    – Adrian Paul

  • aRae
    aRaeover 3 years ago

    what can i say but WOW

  • Thank you for your comment and also for adding me to your watch-list. I appreciate it.

    – Adrian Paul

  • Claire  Farley
    Claire Farleyover 3 years ago

    Excellent macro! Love the detail.

  • Thanks Claire.I appreciate the comment.

    – Adrian Paul

  • kalaryder
    kalaryderover 3 years ago

    Fabulous shot, would you like to put this in the Protea Group please

  • Thanks.OK, will do. Are you able to identify the flower?

    – Adrian Paul

  • Sensiworld
    Sensiworldover 3 years ago

    Beautiful !

  • Thanks Sylvia

    – Adrian Paul

  • georgieboy98
    georgieboy98over 3 years ago

    I know the African gardens in the park and was taking photos there not many weeks ago. I’ll look back through them to see if I managed to get any of the name plaques. This picture is a delight for the eyes. Wonderful shot. Peter

  • I’d appreciate that, Peter. If I hadn’t been lazy, I would have taken the time to record the species myself.

    – Adrian Paul

  • bevanimage
    bevanimageabout 3 years ago

    Brilliant macro, Adrian, with gorgeous detail and colour.

  • Thnak you. I appreciate your positive comments.

    – Adrian Paul