Banksia

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Banksia is a genus of about 60 species in the plant family Proteaceae, named after the English botanist Sir Joseph Banks, of the Cook expedition in 1768. They are native to Australia, varying from prostrate shrubs to trees up to 25 m tall. They are known as Banksias or Australian Honeysuckle Trees.

Related Topics:
Genus - Proteaceae - Botanist - Joseph Banks - Cook - 1768 - Australia - Shrub - Tree

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In most cases the under surface of the leaves is silvery white, contrasting with the deep green of the upper surface. When flowering, they often produce magnificent flower spikes containing hundreds of flowers. Once the flowers start to die off the seed heads become dry and brown, superficially resembling conifer cones, and often clinging to the plant for several years. Any fertilised flowers become knobbly brown seedpods during this time.

Related Topics:
Flower - Seed - Conifer cones

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;Species

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Banksias are grown as ornamental plants in many warm temperate and subtropical areas, valued for their imposing flower heads and drought tolerance. A few show some limited frost tolerance down to about -7°C.

Related Topics:
Ornamental plant - Drought - Frost

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The knobbly appearance of aged Banksia cones inspired children's writer May Gibbs to create a character for her Australian Flower Fairy series Snugglepot and Cuddlepie - the Big Bad Banksia Men were the villains of her tales.

Related Topics:
May Gibbs - Flower Fairy - Snugglepot and Cuddlepie - Big Bad Banksia Men - Villain

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