mistletoe...

...west Australian style and not to be confused with the delicate sprigs hung in northern hemisphere doorways, Nuytsia floribunda is a giant of the mistletoe family.

So called the 'native Christmas tree' by early settlers in the west the orange blooms were a welcome splash of colour in the December 'dried arrangement' of the bush.
So welcome was that splash of colour when bush was clear felled for farming stands of the 'Christmas' tree were left and some still remain today.
Diminishing in number as clear felling sadly seems to continue when areas are flattened (booo to our local Shire for allowing that to STILL happen) for easy access for building projects.
Gladly though there are stands here in the hills that have conservation status and one at the end of 'our street' popping even more in colour against the purple jacaranda blooming behind it.