Coastal Jug-flower - Adenanthos cuneatus
A very common shrub of deep sandy soils and an important component of coastal heathland. It has a lignotuber so if a bushfire passes through, it will regrow quickly (after rain) and flower within months. For the first five or so years when the growth is usually less than 11/2 metres (5') in height (it can spread to more than twice this width), the regrowth will produce flowers for most of the year, but after this period its vigor begins to reduce and flowering is restricted mainly to the summer/autumn period.
The flowers although a pinky red are not very spectacular and are largely hidden by the more interesting silver/green foliage with bright pink/red new growth (occasionally pale green). Nevertheless, it is the small flowers that make this plant an important ecological species by providing a good flow of nectar for honeyeating birds, many invertebrates and the little honey possum. I would go as far as to state that this plant is one of the most frequently visited nectar producing species and performs a vital role in the welfare of many animals, particularly over the hot/dry summer/autumn period.
