Banksia sceptrum, the sceptre banksia, is a plant that grows in Western
Australia near the central west coast from Geraldton north through
Kalbarri to Hamelin Pool, extending inland almost to Mullewa. It is
generally a shrub up to 4 m (13 ft) in diameter and 2–4 m
(7–13 ft) high, sometimes reaching 5 m (16 ft). First collected and
grown by early settler James Drummond in Western Australia, it was
described by Swiss botanist Carl Meissner in 1855. In nature,
B. sceptrum grows in deep yellow or pale red sand in tall shrubland,
commonly on dunes. It is killed in bushfires and regenerates by seed,
the woody follicles opening with fire. B. sceptrum is one of the most
striking yellow-flowered banksias, with tall bright flower spikes
(inflorescences) that are well displayed on the ends of branches.
Flowering is in summer, mainly December and January, though flowers are
occasionally seen at other times.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksia_sceptrum>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1823:
According to Joseph Smith, he was first visited by the Angel
Moroni, who would guide him to the golden plates that became the basis
of the Book of Mormon.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_Moroni>
1968:
The Soviet Zond 5 landed in the Indian Ocean, becoming the
first spacecraft to safely return to Earth after circling the Moon.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zond_5>
2001:
With racial tensions high after the September 11 attacks, a
gang of British Muslim youths in Peterborough, England, murdered 17
-year-old Ross Parker.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Ross_Parker>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
olive branch:
1. A branch of an olive tree offered as an emblem of peace.
2. (figuratively) Any symbol of peace, or a peace offering to an
adversary to show goodwill and in the hope of securing peace. [...]
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/olive_branch>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
What it is to bathe every day, always to be clad beautifully, to
climb mountains for pleasure, to fly, to meet none but agreeable, well
mannered people, to conduct researches or make delightful things... a
time when all such good things will be for all men may be coming more
nearly than we think. Each one who believes that brings the good time
nearer; each heart that fails delays it.
--The Outline of History
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Outline_of_History>