On a hinterland hilltop overlooking Beerwah and the coastline beyond, a slender-leaved shrub blooms into bursts of yellow between the volcanic rocks.
The Critically Endangered Coochin Hills grevillea (Grevillea hodgei) is found in only two small pockets: the peaks of the Coochin Hills and this rocky outcrop known locally as Rupari Hill.
Rupari Hill is now part of Sunshine Coast Council's protected estate, after the 10.9 hectare site at Tower Lane was purchased for $860,000 through the Environment Levy.
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said the site was home to many locally significant plants and habitat for wildlife like the koala and powerful owl.
"This is a special ecosystem here on Rupari Hill with a unique assemblage of native species, including several plants only known to occur in the Glasshouse Mountains," Cr Burns said.
"The volcanic rock and soil here creates conditions that these plants rely on, so it was a high priority site for Council to purchase and protect.
"It really is a showcase of the unique flora our Sunshine Coast Biosphere has to offer."
Connecting our natural areas
The purchase links environment reserves on either side of the site and the Coochin Hills section of Glass House Mountains National Park beyond.
