The name Eucalyptus is derived from two Greek words: eu = well and kaluptos = covered.
What this name actually refers to is the operculum.
An operculum is a cap that is made of fused sepals and/or petals, enclosing the stamens of the flower. As the stamens grow the cap is forced off, revealing the fluffy stamens, which explode outwards like a fireworks display.
These flowers are from the Eucalyptus Kingsmillii, also known as Kingsmill’s mallee.
King’s Park Botanical Gardens, Perth Australia – August, 2011
I don’t think I’ve seen anything like that! Fascinating.
Hi Meanderer – It really is quite amazing! We have plenty of Eucalyptus trees in South Africa, but I don’t think that I have ever seen a flowering species before. I had a good feeling that I would see some “new” flowers at the Botanical Gardens, and I was not disappointed
– more “new” stuff to come!!
Cool!
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Thanks Ana
wild!
Thanks Sheila
Goregeous shot! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Patti
I’ve got some more flowering Eucalyptus lined up to share!
Beautiful shot. That is one amazing flower.
HI Angelia – I find it both amazing and curious! Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment
Amazing!
Thanks John