Paradise found

Weigall Field, Neild Avenue, Rushcutters Bay

Australia is a very egalitarian society and, wherever even IMpossible, we come at things as would a common-Joe. To us this flower is a Bird of Paradise, even though in the deep recesses of our garden shed, the guide might hautily index Strelitzia Reginae.

With its orange petals and blue tongue, the genus was named in honour of a woman from Strelitz in Germany who married George III of England. The name was chosen by another common-joe, Sir Joseph Banks, who was the Director of the Kew Gardens at the time.

The Bird of Paradise, although native to South Africa, is common to parklands and road-side plantings around Sydney. It is large, colourful and requires little water. Perfect!