Photo: A Christmas bell wildflower has flourished at bushfire ravaged Lake Cathie. (Supplied: NSW Rural Fire Service – Mid Coast District) As the smell of smoke still lingers amid the blackened earth in New South Wales’ bushfire-ravaged communities, the emergence of new growth has sparked much needed joy for residents. Vibrant Christmas bell flowers have been spotted in a scorched area near Port Macquarie There’s expected to be a surge in flowers following the bushfires A resident says despite rain, there is an “amazing” flush of green returning to the valley A Rural Fire Service crew recently spotted the bright splash of colour of a Christmas bell blooming near Lake Cathie, south of Port Macquarie. A fire which burned for more than two weeks in the area destroyed more than 3,500 hectares and may be responsible for the deaths of hundreds of koalas . The community has embraced the red and yellow bloom against the backdrop of scorched earth as a symbol of hope and new life. The image of the spectacular flower has triggered a strong response on social media. “What a symbol of hope this beautiful flower is, always reminds me of Aussie Christmas,” Dawn Baker wrote. Photo: Christmas bells are typically red and yellow, with variations in the colours. (Supplied: Bob Brown) It has also sparked fond memories for many who recalled seeing Christmas bells in their childhood. “I have beautiful memories of driving from Port Macquarie to Lake Cathie with my grandparents, we loved spotting the Christmas bells,” Rom Goggin wrote. “Every Christmas they were in abundance at Lake Cathie, loved going over there and seeing them,” Shona Ling recalled. “We would stop and explore, back before the world became a race to get from one spot to the next,” Graeme Budden added.” How bushfire helps flora grow A couple of weeks after a bushfire ripped through this area, greenery is appearing across the blackened earth. Australian native wildflower grower Paul Dalley said the recent bushfires have created conditions perfect for the regeneration of the Christmas bell and other natives. “[Christmas bells] mostly grow in […]
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