Flowering Trees. Lagunaria patersonii (Cow itch tree)

Lagunaria patersonia (family Malvaceae), commonly known as the Pyramid Tree  Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Solandra squamea, cow itch tree, primrose tree is an Australian plant endemic to Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island and parts of coastal Queensland. It has been introduced to many parts of the world. The genus was named in honour of Andrés Laguna, a Spanish botanist and a physician to Pope Julius III.
Its seed capsules are filled with irritating hairs giving rise to another common name, "Cow Itch Tree".
In many parts of Australia, Lagunaria is considered a pest, and is commonly referred to as the "Itchy Bomb tree" due to the tiny, almost invisible, hairs inside the inedible seedpods which, when split open, can lodge in the skin like tiny barbs of broken glass, causing a great deal of pain.

This medium-sized evergreentree is a slow grower, it blooms in early summer, and its propeller-like waxy pink flowers' texture reminds me of rice paper I used in craft classes at school.

Lagunaria patersonii, cow itch tree flowers close-up
(© 2012 LightColourShade. All rights reserved)

Lagunaria patersonii, cow itch tree flowers
(© 2012 LightColourShade. All rights reserved)