Proteaceae
Grevillea alpina
Grevillea alpina is commonly known as Cat's Claws. The flowers have variable colours but red is predominant. The size, colour and shape of the flower point to its major pollinators being birds (medium honeyeater size), however, honey bees are often seen on this species 'stealing' the nectar without touching the overarching pollen presenter.
The pollen is typical for Grevillea and many Proteaceae members in being triangular with three pores on the bubble-like corners.
Pollen images
Hakea decurrens
Hakea decurrens (may appear as Hakea sericea in older books) is also known as the Silky Hakea.
This species, when in full bloom, has a very strong honey-smell, particularly in the early hours of the day. It attracts hover flies and honeybees, although just what they collect is not really known as the nectar volume of each individual flower must be miniscule. The structure of the flower is like a typical member of the family Proteaceae, with a pollen presenter that dabs pollen (or picks it up) on the top of the pollinator as they probe the flower.
