red cap gum..pt 2

Following on from the pollen basket bearing bees exploring the Illyarie flowers here is the 'red cap' after which the gum tree is named.
Judging by the unfurling of the flower behind the cap I'm guessing the cap pops off as the stamens have their time in the sun.
The caps fall to the ground and surprisingly, as they dry, still retain the vivid red colour.

Some very hardy crafts folk thread them onto long strings along with other eucalypt nuts and they look terrific. Takes a lot of patience mind you!