Banksia Facts
Banksia Facts
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| Interesting Banksia Facts: |
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| Banksia can grow in the form of prostrate (or erect) shrubs or in the form of tree. It can reach from 11 inches to 98 feet in height, depending on the species. |
| Some species of banksia produce fern-like leaves while other develop large, narrow leaves with coarsely toothed edges (only few banksia have leaves with smooth edges). Leaves are arranged spirally or in whorls. |
| Banksia produces elongated, cone-shaped spikes made of numerous small, sac-shaped flowers. Each spike is made of hundreds or thousands (up to 6.000) of flowers. Banksia produce creamy, yellow, orange, red, green, violet or brown flowers. Some species have multi-colored spikes. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). |
| Banksia blooms during the autumn (on the eastern coast of Australia) and spring (on the western coast of Australia). Flowers are rich source of nectar which attracts birds, bats, rats, possums and bees, which are responsible for the pollination of these plants. |
| Fruit of banksia is woody follicle known as cob. Each follicle contains one or two winged seed. Surface of the fruit can be hairy (remains of flowers) or smooth. |
| Around 50% of banksia release seed after exposure to the fire. |
| Many species of banksia have lignotuber, underground stem which stores nutrients which ensure quick regeneration of plants after the fire. |
| Banksia propagates via seed and (rarely) via cuttings. |
| Seed and larva hidden inside the fruit of banksia are important source of food for cockatoos. |
| Aborigines used banksia flowers as a source of food (nectar was consumed directly from the flowers and used for the preparation of sugary liquid). |
| Banksia is named after English botanist Joseph Banks who collected and described these plants on his voyage to Australia with captain James Cook. |
| Many species of banksia are cultivated in gardens, parks and streets because of their unusual, ornamental flowers. |
| 20 species of banksia are popular in the industry of cut flowers. Banksia is often used for the preparation of fresh and dried floral arrangements. |
| Reddish wood of banksia was used for the manufacture of boats and boat parts in the past. "Cones" of banksia can be used as drink coasters (horizontally sliced fruit). Fruit is also used for the manufacture of various ornamental items. |
| Banksia is perennial plant that can survive up to 100 years in the wild. |
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