Calothamnus Quadrifidus: The One-sided Bottlebrush

Calothamnus quadrifidus, commonly called the One-sided Bottlebrush, is a species of plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, native to Western Australia. It is an evergreen shrub, commonly found in sandy and rocky soils of coastal plains and hillslopes. Originally described by botanist Jacques Labillardière in 1806, this plant was first collected in 1801 during the French expedition led by Nicolas Baudin. The peculiar genus name "Calothamnus" derives from Greek kalos, meaning beautiful, and thamnus, meaning shrub. An appealing sight in any garden, the One-sided Bottlebrush can grow to about 3 meters in height, boasting needle-like leaves and long, cylindrical flowers that radiate a bright red colour. What sets it apart is the unique arrangement of its flowers on one side of the stem, which gives it its common name. Flowering between late winter to early summer, the showy flowers of this shrub attract native nectar-feeding birds and insects, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardening. Interestingly, it also has fire-resistant properties and has the ability to regenerate after forest fires, growing from a lignotuber. The One-sided Bottlebrush has found use among the local Aboriginal people as a source of food, drink, and medicine. The blossoms, when soaked in water, release a sweet nectar, which can be consumed as a refreshing drink, while the hardwood of the stem is used to make spears. The plant also serves a cultural significance as it is considered a symbol of the beauty and resilience of Western Australian flora.