Banksias are such magnificent flowers. They are like big bush candles, set alight by the sun.
Banksia flowers are actually hundreds of tiny flowers grouped together. As the Banksia 'candles' age, they form multiple hard, woody fruits known as follicles. These hard woody fruits act as a protection for the seeds inside. In many species, the follicles are so tough that they require fire to break them open, and release the seeds. Many Banksias flower during autumn and winter, often at a time when not much else is flowering.
A cluster of Banksia spinulosa 'candles.'
This series was shot at the wonderful Tianjara Falls in Morton National Park, a 'pit-stop' along the highway between Canberra and Nowra. If you're passing through, make sure you stop and have a poke around in the heath near the carpark and waterfall. It's full of great flowers.
Banksia spinulosa.
Not that long ago I bought a new lens, the Venus Laowa 15mm f/4 macro. Its a metal, all-mechanical, relatively cheap ($500 USD) piece of glass, with a different perspective. Its the only wide-angle lens that is also properly macro. I think I'll do a review of it at some stage, but in the meantime, these images are all shot with that unique, wide field of view.
Banksia ericifolia flowers up close.
Banksia ericifolia flowers up close.