Protea nitida

Dotted with early morning dew that sparkled like diamonds, this lovely protea was irresistible. As far as I can make out, it is Protea nitida, or commonly known as Waboom.

Something else about this well known tree:

"Protea nitida has various common names relating to its historical uses. Baboons would climb up the trees to feed on the nectar of the flowers, or baboon sentries would use trees as lookouts, and therefore the plant was given the name bobbejaansuikerbos. Brandhout, the Afrikaans word for firewood, indicates another use. The name waboom originates from the use of the wood for wheel rims and brake blocks of wagons. Interestingly, the name waboom was first recorded in 1720 and has thus been used for far longer than its scientific name. The wood was popular for the manufacture of ornamental furniture. It also made excellent charcoal. The bark was used for tanning leather. The tannin-rich bark was used to prepare an infusion for treating diarrhoea. The leaves were used for making ink. Either dry or fresh leaves were boiled up with a rusty iron nail and a piece of sugar candy. The resulting fluid (a decoction) is a fine blue-black, ideal for dyeing. These days, however, the greatest use for P. nitida is as a garden specimen. "

I wish to thank the many blippers who left comments on yesterday's journal re my three year presence on blip - each comment is greatly appreciated.
I will thank you all individually, but that will happen over a few days' time!

Had it not been for these lovely blipper(s) telling me about this great site, I would have been so much poorer as far as friendships and the observing of fantastic blips had gone. Thanks to you!