Birthday candles

Banksia is a genus of around 170 species in the plant family Proteaceae. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting "cones" and heads.

This particular banksia, Banksia Spinulosa or 'Birthday Candles', is a 
vigorous, evergreen dwarf shrub with needle type foliage and bright golden flower spikes. As with most banksias they attract birds to the garden and are just lovely when in flower.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens has opened a wonderful Banksia Centre and had planted very many different types of banksias. The 'Birthday Candles' is one of my favourites.