Appearance

• Small tree with distinctively deeply fissured, corky and rough bark.
• Size: it can grow to about 6 metres tall.
• Leaves: Shiny, dark green needle like leaves are up to 40 cm long.
• Flowers: Each bright orange to dull lemon-coloured flower is about 1.5 cm long but is grouped into a spectacular raceme up to 12 cm long.
• Fruit and seed: woody and slightly curved pods that are 3.5 cm across.

What to Observe

• First fully open single flower
• Full flowering (record all days)
• End of flowering (when 95% of the flowers have faded)
• Not flowering
• Fruit fully ripened/berry reached full size (record all days)
• Open seed pods (record all days)

ClimateWatch Science Advisor

We expect plants to start shooting and flowering earlier in the year as a result of climate change warming the Earth. They may also start appearing in new areas, as warmer temperatures enable them to live in environments that were previously too cold for them.

When To Look

• April to September

Where To Look

• Throughout northern and inland Australia.
• Corkwood likes the well-drained soils on rocky hillsides.

References

Napier J & van Leeuwen S. 2008, Common Plants of the Pilbara. Department of Environment and Conservation.

Woodley M et al. Wangalili Yindjibarndi and Ngarluma Plants. Juluwaru Aboriginal Corporation.