If Isaac Newton had been struck on the head by a bunya-bunya cone instead of a mere apple, the theory of universal gravitation might have died at birth.Weighing 10 pounds or more, the cones are borne high up in the tree, a shapely evergreen of moderately rapid growth to an eventual 80 feet. When ripe, usually in September or October, these enormous seed clusters fall with a crash, sometimes breaking small branches as they descend.
Bunya-bunya (Araucaria bidwillii) is less formal than its relative the Norfolk Island pine (A. heterophylla) and shapelier than the prickly monkey puzzle (A. araucana). Resembling flattened needles, its glossy, deep green leaves grow to 2 inches long. A well-grown bunya-bunya stands as a noble landscape ornament.
Bunya-bunya cone
"If Isaac Newton had been struck on the head by a bunya-bunya cone instead of a mere apple, the theory of universal gravitation might have died at birth."
ReplyDeleteArthur, do you mean the gravity of the bunya-bunya cone might have distorted Mr. Newton's cranium?
Hello Arthur,
ReplyDeleteI am helping a writer to prepare book about landscape in and around Brisbane. She would like to use the photos of the mature bunya and the cones seen in your blog. would you know where they came from. If they are your own photos, would you be willing to provide them to us for the book.
Kind regards
Geraldine