Waratah (Telopea spp.) is the common name for a genus of five endemic species of Australia from the Proteacea which have large inflorescences and grow as large shrubs or small trees in the east coast from New South Wales to Tasmania.
The genus name Telopea comes from the Greek word ‘telepos’, meaning ‘seen from a distance’—and all the species in this genus really seem to deserve this name!
When I saw these flowers in person for the first time I immediately knew why a State of Australia (and many other institutions) would adopt it as its symbol—they are so incredible with a majestic sort of beauty!
It is only because they are difficult to cultivate that we all don’t have them in our gardens.
The Waratah flower essence is for the person who is in despair and going through the “black night of the soul”, giving them the strength and courage to persevere.
According to a D’harawal Elder and botanist, Aunty Fran Bodkin, Waratah is her favorite plant. She reports that the nectar can be gathered and used as a food for young babies, particularly ones that can’t take any kind of milk. She used it for her own son who was born prematurely.
Aunty Fran Bodkin also reports that the topical application of the stem sap is also traditionally used for healing burns.
According to the Aboriginal Dreamtime about the first Waratah, the Waratah arose from a woman who loved a man so much that when he died in battle she was so taken with grief that she also laid down and died.
Arising from the spot she died the first Waratah grew, with its hard straight and blemish-free stalk, like her lover, and with leaves that were serrated like the points of his spear, and the beautiful flower red like the cloak she wore. Waratah means “Beautiful” in the Eora Aboriginal language.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.