Christmas bells at City Farm
Christmas bells – Blandfordia grandiflora – Image Mary Boyce
At this time of year, if you are on the lookout, you may be lucky enough to spot Christmas bells (Blandfordia grandiflora, Image Mary Boyce) growing in the wet heath areas. You have to look carefully because they are mostly not in abundance and can be hidden quite easily by surrounding grasses as they grow to only around 60cm.
Named because they flower mainly from December to January, these plants have large (50mm) bell-shaped flowers that range in colour from yellow to red with yellow tips.
Up to six flowers may grow on the stalk and honeyeaters love the nectar they produce. The seed pods are pointed and papery and the leaves are grass-like.
Christmas Bells thrive in sandy, moist, but free-draining soil and appreciate plenty of sun. They can be found from south-east Queensland to as far south as Sydney. Happy spotting!
City Farm, opposite the Community Centre, on Tin Can Bay Road, is open 8am-3pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from January 10.
07 54862304, ccfni09@gmail.com, www.cooloolacityfarm.org
