What does waratah mean?
A waratah is a large evergreen shrub or small tree native to southeastern Australia, especially New South Wales. Its most striking feature is the waratah flower: a large, rounded head composed of vivid crimson, bristly flowers surrounded by dark green leaves. The plant has long been cultivated for its dramatic blooms and has also become a prominent cultural symbol of New South Wales. Adopted as the state's official floral emblem in 1962, it is commonly associated with Australian native flora, regional identity, and commemorations such as Waratah Day. The name is Aboriginal in origin, coming from the Eora language of the Sydney region, and was borrowed into English as botanical settlers and horticulturalists became familiar with the plant. In general writing, the word may denote either the shrub itself or its distinctive flower, while formal botanical discussions often use its scientific name, Telopea speciosissima.
nounA large evergreen shrub or small tree, Telopea speciosissima, native to southeastern Australia and bearing large, conspicuous crimson flower heads. The word can also refer to the flower itself and to the waratah as the floral emblem of New South Wales.
- The flowering shrub or small tree Telopea speciosissima, native to southeastern Australia.
- A large crimson flower head from this plant, sometimes called the waratah flower.
- The waratah as a symbolic representation of New South Wales.
"Clusters of waratahs brightened the edges of the path in spring."
"The waratah was in full bloom, its brilliant red flower heads standing above the foliage."
"A stylized waratah appears on merchandise celebrating New South Wales."
The regular plural is used for the plants, flowers, or individual flower heads.
"The botanist collected several waratahs from a sheltered slope near the river."
The waratah's fiery crimson blooms became the floral emblem of New South Wales in 1962, turning a tough native shrub into a state symbol.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of waratah
The word was borrowed into colonial English from the Eora Aboriginal language of the Sydney region, where the name referred to the native plant now known as the waratah. As Australian plants entered botanical description and European cultivation, the term became established in English. The precise broader language family and the historical stages of the source form are not certain enough to state more specifically.
How waratah is actually used
The term is chiefly Australian. In botanical contexts, the scientific name Telopea speciosissima may be preferred, while capitalisation is common when referring to the official floral emblem of New South Wales.
Easily confused with waratah
The waratah is the floral emblem of New South Wales, whereas the golden wattle is Australia's national floral emblem.