Banksias

What is a Banksia?

Banksias were named in honour of Sir Joseph Banks, a botanist on the Endeavour in the 1770 discovery of the east coast of Australia by Captain James Cook. Joseph Banks collected several species of Banksia whilst at Botany Bay.

Banksias are recognised by their shapely trunks, often gnarled, and dense foliage characterised by interspersed cones. They can vary enormously in size and shape. Some are low to medium growing shrubs, whilst others grow flat along the ground and a few can even grow into large trees.

Banksia flowers are quite small but they occur in dense clusters. Their colours range from bright gold, orange and red to more subtle shades of lime, green, and brown. During the winter months they provide a constant, rich source of nectar and attract honey-eating birds and sometimes small mammals such as pygmy possums. The flowers are followed by large, woody cones, which contain seeds in closed follicles. These follicles remain tightly closed until stimulated by heat such as experienced in bushfire. Some species will release seed annually, although this is not generally the case with banksias. The seeds have a papery wing allowing them to be distributed by the wind.

Like many plants, a number of Banksia species are susceptible to the root rot fungus, Phytophthora cinnamoni. This fungus is spread through the soil and has the ability to kill many plants in a given area.

Where Do Banksias Grow?

There are 76 species of Banksia, and all except one occur naturally in Australia. They can be found in most environments: the tropics, sub-alpine areas, the coast and desert areas. Banksias are however, particularly common in South Western Australia.

Want to Know More?

www.anbg.gov.au (search: Banksia)