Hiker's buddy in full bloom and bark

I was up Colac Botanic Gardens way in late July and saw this not unfamiliar plant, competing along with its relatives in the Camellia genus, for late winter splendor. 

As I was saying on radio at the time (and paraphrasing my 'seasonal-correspondent' Rick Kemp in Sydney), that time of year is all about bare branches, bulbs, buds and berries, with the occasional floral surprise.

This is one of those lovely surprises. As to it's name, I've posted once or twice on the nomenclatural Bermuda triangle that is Gordonia, Franklinia and Polyspora. Today's species, Polyspora axillaris is sometimes called Gordonia and sometimes Franklinia, but more often simply the Fried-egg Plant. 

Which suits its flowers, as you and Dr Seuss can plainly see. The elongate fruits will come later, turning woody and releasing winged seeds (unlike those of Camellia).

While Kew's Plantlist has stuck with Gordonia axillaris, the Flora of China has swung to Polyspora axillaris, as has our own database at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Because the plant grows naturally in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam, I'm going with Polyspora here.

The flowers will sometimes form in leaf axils, hence the species epithet axillaris. Inside those five big white petals are lots of gorgeous yellow stamens, the yolk of this egg. 

On a sign on the walk to Hong Kong Peak, we are reminded that although most flowers are exhausted by autumn, the Hong Kong Gordonia (as they call it) is described as the 'hiker's buddy' at this time of year.  

The blooms are described as 'tenacious and proud', just like the walkers on this trail during the season of cold and wind. It's also said to be tough enough to survive the toxins accumulating today in the mountain soil.

Which makes the Fried-egg Plant is a good street tree selection for southern Australia, as well as small enough to nestle under power lines. However I see that a decade ago Marrickville Council had mixed success convincing locals of their value. 

It's popular too in Victoria's forty or so regional botanic gardens, and I remember it from another nearby botanic garden, in Hamilton. Today's pictures, though, are all from Colac Botanic Gardens, including this winter view through the central fountain.

Oh, and the peeling bark, revealing the pink-orange colour beneath, is an additional attraction.