The Illusive Pink Flannel Flower

In December 2019, Australia was on fire.

My little hometown of Lithgow NSW is situated at the base of the Blue Mountains, nestled in the valley. Anywhere you stand in town, you are greeted with the view of a mountain in the distance. We are surrounded and it's a lovely, tranquil aspect. Until it burns.

I've seen the mountains go up a few times in my 30 years, but nothing compared to the devastation that came with the Gospers Mountain Mega Blaze in Summer 2019/20.

People I know fought for their homes and lives. The valley was blanketed in a thick layer of smoke, ash and debris for what felt like weeks.

It's a devastating experience, and one that can bring about a moral dilemma. You see, the bush must burn. And what comes after fire is often the purest beauty. I have always marvelled at the resilience of the bush. Watching the new growth burst through the charred outer bark in the most vibrant and spectacular green.

There is also a bittersweetness when you see communities unite in the wake of disaster. It brings out the best in people. Resilience, kindness, empathy, generosity... traits that are often buried in day to day life emerge in their fullest when we need it most.

It's cyclic and necessary in all aspects. This is fairly common knowledge around here.

You can imagine the intrigue then, when the people of the community discovered something exceptionally uncommon in the wake of these fires. "Have you seen the flowers yet?" you hear people ask. You start to see the volume of cars increase on those back dirt roads. The unfamiliar faces in the local cafes and restaurants.

It's a blessing and a curse when you live in these areas because often you take what is out your back door for granted. You forget to take the time to explore and appreciate what is only a stone's throw away.

The Pink Flannel Flower (Actinotus forsythii) only occurs in Eastern Australia in scattered areas. They are not endangered, however their appearance is so infrequent it is almost impossible to predict when they will bloom, let alone be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these little white and pink beauties.

Their seeds can lay dormant for years, waiting patiently for the perfect sequence of events to trigger their emergence. They will only appear in the season roughly one year after bushfire, following rainfall. And it just so happens, this perfect recipe has occurred just this year.

We were lucky enough to stumble upon an enormous cluster of these flowers in the Newnes State Forest, just off State Mine Gully near Lithgow, NSW.

Hard to spot at first, they are barely distinguishable from the much more common white fennel flowers that are found in the area. The buds are barely as big as a 5c piece, but it is the distinct pink centre that alerts you to having found the rare gem.

Truly to be considered a once in a lifetime experience. I sat in awe as I inspected this tiny symbol of resilience and hope. Knowing with certainty I may never be in this position again in my life. I almost hope not to be, because that means enduring another round of death and destruction.

Wherever you are in the world, you see the impact of these disasters. They show you the horror, the pain, the loss. You never get to see what happens afterward. When things start to be rebuilt and come to life. The gratitude and new-found appreciation for what was once taken for granted.

So whilst the knowledge of this little blossom in itself is uncommon, perhaps the real uncommon knowledge lies in the truth behind these events and what unfolds in their wake. A phoenix rising from the ashes and reminding us that when things are hard, there is always beauty and light ahead. You just need to know where to look.