Conifers – pines, traditionally associated with Christmas – comprise the major part of the Northern Hemisphere’s “tree cover equation”.
The Southern Hemisphere has its own endemic conifers, but south of the equator they are relatively minor players, most especially in Australia.
To Australian eyes, the Northern Hemisphere’s vast pine forests appear relatively drab, sadly lacking in species diversity and colour range.
The contrast is most especially marked in the warmer half of our year, which is the colder half of the Northern year.
Conifers do not flower, and their forests’ floors are hostile to other plants.
In Australia’s forests, woodlands and “bush” the overwhelming majority of native, woody species are themselves flowering plants…and the ground below/around them is oft-favourable to at least several of Australia’s incredibly large number of unique wildflower species.
At literally any time of year most Australian humans are within easy walking distance of at least one tree or shrub which is spectacularly in bloom.
This post’s currently-blooming Eucalypt is a street tree on Subiaco Road, immediately opposite Mueller Park.
Australians who take a short walk today – or tomorrow, or any day – will likely find it easy to see blossoms that are lovelier by far than any store-bought Christmas decoration.
Our native, living “Christmas decorations” are best enjoyed in situ, unplucked.
(both photos copyright Doug Spencer, Saturday 19 December 2020. I took the first at 7.18 pm, just before sunset. The second was taken 8 minutes later, after sunset. Each involves a different part of the same tree)