Banksia

The Banksia has over 76 known variations in existence, all but one are native only to Australia. The Banksia is a member of the Proteaceae family. There is a type of Banksia that will flourish in almost every part of Australia’s varied climate. In fact, the only part of the country you may not find a Banksia is in the starkest of deserts. There is much variation among the species. Plants can be found from the smallest shrub to thirty meter high trees.

The Banksia was noted by botanist Sir Joseph Banks, when he landed with Captain Cook’s first fleet in 1788. The plant was named in his honor. The nectar of the Banksia is used to make a sweet drink by Aboriginals, as was documented by Banks.

The Banksia is one of Australia’s best exports. Banksias are cultivated to become cut flowers and exported all across the world.

Some species of Banksia are endangered, due to deforestation. Since European settlement a great deal of old growth forests which were home to many Banksia species have been lost.

Banksias are known to be well adapted to the harsh Australian climate, some even surviving a bushfire. Some species have a think barked trunk which protects the inner tree from fire. In time, the leaves and flowers regenerate. Other species have pods which open only under extremely hot conditions, such as a fire. The seeds are released and once the fire has passed will germinate.

The flower head of the Banksia is in fact made up of hundreds of tiny flowers, all growing in pairs. Most plants flower in Autumn and Winter, the most common colour being yellow. The seeds of the plant are held in a protective conifer, or cone. After the flowers have died the conifer will release the seeds, except in some species in which fire is required for the cone to open.

See our selection of Australian Natives