These 10 wildflowers all have superpowers. Only one can win your vote
Move over waratahs and banksias! These 10 flowers from the unsung understorey are not just pretty faces, they have surprising tricks up their sleeves.
The ABC is inviting Australians to help choose their favorite native wildflower for the 2026 National Science Week. The winning flower will be featured in a special Hour of Flower on Radio National and a live blog on ABC NEWS. To participate, the public simply needs to cast their vote on the ABC's website. Last year, the rakali was named Australia's most underrated animal.
This year, the organization is looking beyond popular choices like the river red gum and warbling magpie to spotlight lesser-known blooms from across the country. Each contender possesses a unique superpower. One species is a swamp carnivore that uses vacuum-like mechanisms to trap prey. Another serves as a symbol of hope, thriving after bushfires.
A third is a First Nations superfood that has been used for generations. And a fourth wildflower literally delivers a punch, using its blooms to stun pollinators. Voters can learn more about each flower by clicking on the cards provided. The deadline for voting is August 21, 2026, at 12:00pm AEST.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
