The Villain?

This is the fruiting cone of Banksia aemula, common name Wallum Banksia, growing in bushland nearby. Seeds are contained in woody follicles which, when open, look like mouths. This species is said to have the most massive cones of all Banksias, and was used by author May Gibbs 100 years ago as the model for the Big Bad Banksia Men in her children's books about Snugglepot and Cuddlepie (see extra). May Gibbs turned the woody follicles into evil eyes and made the Banksia Men the villains of her stories. I prefer to see the follicles as cheerful laughing mouths and not at all villainous.