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Grevillea |
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What Is a Grevillea?Grevilleas are the largest and most diverse plant genus in Australia. They belong to the Proteaceae family and its close relatives include Banksia, Hakea, Dryandra, Isopogon and Telopea. The Grevillea was named in 1804 after Charles Francis Greville, one of the founders of the Royal Horticultural Society. Grevilleas are found in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Although popular and widely cultivated, there are species such as McCutcheon's Grevillea that are endangered.
Winter to early spring is the peak flowering period for Grevilleas, although different species can be seen in flower at most times of the year. Following flowering, thin walled seed pods develop, each containing one or two seeds. When the seeds are mature, the pods open and release them. Their papery wings enable the wind to evenly distribute them, although not all grevillea seeds have this feature. The majority of Grevilleas occur in areas where bushfires are relatively frequent. Most are killed by fire and rely on seed germination for their continued survival. Other threats include boring insects, caterpillars, sooty mould and scale. Grevilleas attract honey-eating birds to assist them with pollination. A number of species also rely on beetles, moths, bees, ants and even small marsupials. Where Do Grevilleas Grow?There are over 300 species, most of which are native to Australia, but a few species occur in Papua New Guinea and islands to Australia's north. The genus is widespread across Victoria and Australia, generally growing in drier, inland environments, although there are some species that inhabit coastal Australia. |
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