3 September 2023

Saw this beauty during our family walk today in Christison Park in Vaucluse. It is called Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica). Native to China, it is drought tolerant and salt tolerant. Perfect plant for Sydney coastal areas.

The abundant white flowers had a beautiful sweet smell. No surprise there were lots of bees all around them.

The white flowers should be followed by bluish-black berries in late summer. Some varieties are edible and some are not. Will keep an eye out for the berries in a few months.

Indian Hawthorn in bloom.

Bees were buzzing everywhere collecting nectar.

It almost looks like it is covered in snow ❄️