Kings Park is celebrating its 150th anniversary in full bloom, with the announcement of a new native plant.
The pink Grevillea hybrid will be called 'Boorloo Moon' to celebrate the wonder of a full moon rising over Boorloo (Perth City) as viewed from Mount Eliza.
It follows the successful release of the blue kangaroo paw earlier this year.
Perth's favourite tourist destination will mark its sesquicentennial on 1 October. It's 150 years since the park first gained legal protection as a reserve by British Parliament in 1872, under the reign of Queen Victoria.
Perth Park was renamed 'The King's Park' in 1901 to honour King Edward VII's accession to the throne.
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II planted a tree in Kings Park in 1954, less than a year after her coronation.
Today also coincides with the launch of the 'Everlasting' Kings Park Festival.
The two-week program will showcase Western Australia's stunning native wildflowers, in a burst of colour bringing the heart of the city to life.
A pink field of everlastings is one of more than 3,000 varieties of WA plant species on display.
The wildflower festival, now in its 59th year, is one of the longest running in Australia.
Almost 180 events will be on offer from 16 to 30 September including workshops, displays, guided walks and talks, family activities and much more.
For more information, visit kingsparkfestival.com.au
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"The new Grevillea hybrid is expected to hit nurseries next year and is a wonderful floral addition to our State to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Kings Park.
"We need plants that can survive in our changing climate, produce brilliant displays and support wildlife.
"Working with volunteers and local businesses, the Kings Park team has brought together a fantastic festival program. Come and celebrate the extraordinary diversity and beauty of our wildflowers."
