Another one of the 700 Eucalyptus species. Yes, there are that many!!
This is the Eucalyptus macrocarpa (makros = large, karpos = fruit), which is native to the south-west of Western Australia.
Four of the operculums are still in place, with only one flower – with all its wonderful stamens popping forth 
King’s Park Botanical Gardens, Perth – August, 2011
Note: this is a cropped version of the original posted image – as per sleuthi’s suggestion below
I love the picture… the contrast between the red and whitish is really good… but if I may add a little criticism. I would have cropped the picture to eliminate the green from it.. that little spot on the top right, it doesn’t add much to the picture and takes away some focus from the red
…
Thanks Sleuthi! All criticism is most welcome here
I have to say that I think my cropping skills suck for the most part, so I’m more than happy to take your suggestion on board.
I’ve uploaded a slightly trimmer version of the image. Your second opinion would also be most welcome
amazing flower!!!
http://rodposse.com/
Thank you, Pause
Great shot Lu! It reminds me of a box of chocolate truffles – some dusted with sugar and wrapped in individual tissue paper
Thanks so much Meanderer! – I like the resemblance to chocolate truffles – I was beginning to get weirded out with all the “alien” comments on the “Gumnuts” post
Very interesting photograph, I think you’ve done very well with the composition of this one.
Thank you very much Nigel, credit must go to Sleuthi for suggesting a spot of trimming
that’s wild!
Hi Shelia – yup, pretty darned cool, I think
I would never have guessed at the bright colours hidden inside the little ball shapes, do the ends just pop off ?