This year Illawarra Flame Trees seem like the divas of the plant world, flowering at whim.
Usually November and December would be peak time for the annual show, when the trees lose their leaves, unleash floral fireworks and lay down a red carpet. But this year, due to warmer temperatures and drying soil, the region's Flame Trees have flowered earlier than usual, with many kicking off the season in October.
Yet while some trees have put on their usual spectacular display, others are barely in bloom.
Thanks to Matt Houston of Ironbark Photography for capturing Brachychiton acerifolius in various stages of transformation around Wollongong.
Over the past few weeks. Matt has caught the trees as they change from leafy green to blazing red, with beautiful little bell-shaped blooms standing out against blue summer sky.
Want one of these deciduous trees in your garden? Growing Illawarra Natives says they make a good feature tree, need a 3m-across space for planting and grow to about 10m (although a wild Flame could reach 20m in the rainforest).
Illawarra Flame Trees thrive in a range of conditions. They are fast growing and long lived (from 50 to 150 years). Bees, birds and butterflies enjoy their flowers, while cockatoos and kurrawongs eat the seeds. Find more advice about growing your own here.
We hope you enjoy the photos and tag @theillawarraflame on Facebook and Instagram to tell us: where is your favourite Flame?
