Jobaaj Stories
Eden Project Unveils Stunning New Australian Plant Varieties
The Eden Project in Cornwall has unveiled five brand-new cultivars of Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos), a UK first, adding a vibrant splash of colour to its already impressive Western Australia exhibit within the Mediterranean Biome. These unique plants, bred at the Western Australian Botanic Garden in Kings Park, Perth, showcase a stunning array of colours and sizes, expanding Eden's collection to over twenty different Kangaroo paw varieties.
A Burst of Colour in Cornwall
The new additions include Masquerade with its iridescent teal-blue flowers, and Carnivale, boasting a vibrant mix of purple and pink blooms. Other captivating cultivars are Aussie Spirit (green-yellow), Bush Crystal (crimson pink), and Bush Zest (bright yellow). These striking additions are a testament to the successful collaboration between the Eden Project and the Kings Park team, an eight-year partnership dedicated to showcasing Western Australia's biodiversity and the resilience of its flora.
From Micro-propagules to Magnificent Blooms
The journey of these remarkable plants from Western Australia to Cornwall is a testament to horticultural expertise. Arriving as micro-propagules – tiny plant fragments – they were nurtured in the Eden Project’s advanced Growing Point nursery before reaching their current stunning display. This showcases not only the beauty of the plants, but also the innovative propagation techniques used to bring them to the UK.
More Than Just a Pretty Picture
The Eden Project's Western Australia exhibit isn't just about showcasing beautiful plants; it also highlights the cultural significance of these species to Indigenous Australians. Visitors can not only admire the vibrant Kangaroo paws but also purchase them from the Eden Project shop, supporting both conservation efforts in Kings Park and the Eden Project's environmental initiatives. The Kangaroo paw, with its distinctive paw-like flower head, is a significant part of the Western Australian ecosystem, attracting vital pollinators and serving as the state's floral emblem.
A Paddington-Inspired Twist: Marmalade Cream Tea
Coinciding with the new plant arrivals, the Eden Project is adding a unique twist to the classic cream tea, replacing jam with marmalade in a nod to the beloved Paddington Bear's favourite treat. This has sparked a fun debate online, reigniting the age-old Devon vs. Cornwall cream tea controversy. While the marmalade cream tea is a delicious innovation, it ultimately remains a matter of personal preference which should go first – marmalade or cream?
Visit the Eden Project
This exciting addition to the Eden Project's collection offers a fantastic opportunity to witness these unique Australian plants for the first time in the UK. For more information on visiting the Eden Project and experiencing this vibrant display, visit their website: www.edenproject.com. Don't miss the chance to see these stunning Kangaroo paws and perhaps try a marmalade cream tea for yourself!
