A couple of beauties

I'm always delighted to see a Straw Flower (Strawflower), of any colour. Just fascinated by how perfect they usually are. Love their paper-like "petals" and silky sheen. Photographed (macro) at the Reader Rock Garden on 14 August 2013.

The petals aren’t true petals at all, but in fact are modified leaves called bracts, that come in many colours, including yellow, orange, cream, pink, white, and purple.

"Xerochrysum bracteatum, commonly known as the golden everlasting or strawflower, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to Australia." From Wikipedia.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xerochrysum_bracteatum