Wednesday's Story

It’s shocking…

And brilliantly bright, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you almost felt the heat coming from it. I would also say it may be a little distracting…so much of one vibrant color. But if you breathe slowly and deeply, and focus on the center of the image, you will see two small, delicate, bell-shaped blooms. They are a small part of a very large tree from Australia, and when in full bloom it looks like it’s on fire.

I think you will also really love the many surprising views coming up on this weekend’s ‘Cutting Room Floor’ – stay tuned!

points of interest

Open-branched tree with leathery and glossy, bright green leaves that vary in shape. Large, terminal cymes of bright coral red flowers paper this tree in late-spring and summer when the tree has dropped all of its leaves. Flowers are petalless, composed of partially fused tepals in the shape of a bell.

general care

Grow in free-draining, fertile soil in full sun. Minimal pruning in late winter or early spring.

friday’s flower fact

The bristled pod-like fruits of the flame tree contain yellow seeds that Aborigines toast for a nutritious treat.