The Scarlet Banksia of Southern Western Australia can still be found in a few nature reserves and national parks in the Southwest corner of Australia. It flowers in spring. It is to a minor extent grown for cut flowers, too. Asians reportedly refuse to believe that the flowers are real and examine them to find out how they have been made. The numerous honey-eaters, parrots and other birds of the region find banksia flowers a very attractive source of food. Most banksia flowers - the total of species presently known is 77, even if Wikipedia states 170! - are yellowish. The scarlet banksia is generally recognised as the most picturesque, though by far not the biggest of the banksia flower spikes. Propagation is laborious, as the seeds must be released from pod by means of heat - fire, roasting, or hot smoke. The plant is one of many Australian species, which are adapted to bush fires. This picture is from Stirling Range National Park.