Xanthorrhoea Fields

“Black trunks were dotted as far as the eye could see, topped with bright green swaying arcs of new leaves. Their tall flowering spikes stood like sentinels across the landscape.”   Nikulinsky Unfolded: Xanthorrhoea by PHILIPPA NIKULINSKY

In the Summer of 2021, a huge fire destroyed much of the Boranup Forest of Karridale in the south of Western Australia. Two years later I revisited the area to observe the forest's recovery. The regrowth of the Xanthorrhoeas (grass trees) was amazing. The vibrant new leaves fluoresced against their blackened trunks. The tall flower spikes stretched several meters towards the sky. From the aerial perspective the flower spikes remind me of the light streaks of falling rain, captured with a slow shutter speed.  On this particular windy afternoon, the skirts and leaves of the grass trees were blowing in the wind, making them appear like they were dancing. This image was created on Wadandi Boodja.

‘Xanthorrhoea Fields’ is a finalist in the Environment category of the 2023 Australian Photography Awards (APA). It also received a Commended accolade in the 2023 Capture Awards.