My wildflower book tells me that this might by a type of Mulla Mulla. I’m finding out from someone who knows something about plants but it’s my guess. The dogs and I did a shoot at Mt Newman this morning. I saw the first car ever in the 2 years I’ve been going there. Unfortunately I also saw that someone had been there since I visited 2 days ago. And left cans strewn on the road. May horribly slow and painful things happen to people who litter the beautiful landscape!
Although not typical of Mulla Mulla, these Silver Tails are quite pretty up close. These ones have a great view of Newman town and Orebodies 23/25.
Although the flower itself is small, the flowering is prolific on this plant that I think is a ptilotus. From a distance the flowers look white but they are typical of a Mulla Mulla flower with a pink tip. These plants were at Radio Hill.
After the rain, the Tall Mulla Mulla (ptilotus exaltus) is having a field day – literally. Mt Newman looks completely different to last year with stands of Mulla Mulla everywhere. The stands are taller than the dogs and Kaylee has a ball springing through the fields like a lamb!
This is a white/light green form of Mulla Mulla – an unusual colour for the species which is predominantly pink/purple. I didn’t notice it much in the last few seasons but it’s quite prevalent this year. I’ve seen it in all the usual haunts and like how the flower heads droop.
My trawling through Florabase says that this small and delicate Mulla Mulla is a Ptilotus calostachyus. These truly are a nightmare to shoot as they constantly quiver!
For us, Mulla Mulla (ptilotus) is the floral emblem of Newman and the East Pilbara. It is the hardiest of wildflowers and grows in even the driest years. With a conical shape and white/pink/purple colours, it’s an unusual flower to look at. That’s why we choose as Purely Pilbara’s logo.
Here is my favourite Welcome to Newman image.
Sometimes photography is about being in the right place at the right time. I can’t say that I planned this shot and I didn’t even see the bee. But I love the texture of the spinifex in the background and how the yellow contrasts so well with the purple of the Mulla Mulla. Also love how the Mulla Mulla is swaying (rather than quivering as it normally is!).
I’m having a ball processing all my wildflower shots and had to share this one straight away.
While at the Mt Newman wildflower shoot, I enjoyed this contrast of 2 types of Mulla Mulla. The foreground is the small and more brightly coloured ptilotus obovatus (I think) while the larger ptilotus exaltus are in the background. Both are very common in Newman surrounds.
