Red Bottlebrush (w/macro shots)

Yesterday evening, I decided to take a stroll through some wooded area about 2 miles from my house. While walking through a less dense area of the woods, I noticed a plant that I had never seen before. I took some shots of the plant, including some macro shots (close-up shots with heightened clarity) and walked back home with extra fervor in order to research this plant.

When I got home, I typed "Plants that look like pipe cleaners" on a search engine. To my surprise, someone else had asked the exact same thing!

To my delight, I found the answer. The name of the plant is Melaleuca Citrina, otherwise known as the Red Bottlebrush (also known as the Crimson Bottlebrush or Lemon Bottlebrush) plant.

(one of two macro shots I took with my camera)

(another closeup shot of the bottlebrush tips)

The plant has an interesting backstory. It is most commonly found in New South Wales, as well as Australia. It actually was one of the first Australian native plants to ever be cultivated outside home country. It usually grows near bodies of water, such as creeks and rivers, one of which is located in the area where the photos were taken.

The brightness of the red really stands out. While it looks like the plant would be sharp to the touch, this was not the case. Actually quite delicate, despite it's appearance. It had almost a hair-like texture.

Truly one of the most beautiful plants I've seen. It's crazy how you can stumble upon such beauty in nature by accident.

Nature is awesome!

@jgullinese