Telopea mongaensis: is known as the
Braidwood Waratah (Braidwood is a town in southern New South Wales). The
Telopeas or Waratahs are in the Proteaceae family and there are five species.
All Waratahs are native to eastern Australia and are found in Tasmania,
Victoria and New South Wales. Telopea mongaensis is a multi-stemmed
shrub reputed to reach a height of six metres. The long, narrow, leathery
leaves have entire margins. The pink flower heads have up to 60 individual
flowers and appear in spring. The flowers are rich in nectar and are bird
pollinated. Telopea mongaensis grows naturally along stream margins. We
have seen the species growing beside a creek near Moss Vale in southern New
South Wales. The species is one of the parents of the hybrid Telopea Braidwood
Brilliant. The other parent is Telopea speciosissima (the floral emblem
of New South Wales).
Telopea mongaensis occurs on the Central and Southern Tablelands of
NSW. Over recent years the area of distribution has been increased
considerably with the discovery of populations in the Central Tablelands. At
its southern most occurrence it occurs with Telopea oreades. Some
hybrids, of these two species, have been observed in this area.
So far we have had no success cultivating this Waratah at Yallaroo. We saw the
species flowering in Kew Gardens, in London (see image) so we have been inspired to try
cultivation again.
Propagation is from seed and possibly cuttings.