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

_______________________________ 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

_____________________________ 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

___________________________ 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