Banksia
Banksia prionotes
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Proteales Family: Proteaceae Genus: Banksia L.f.
Diversity
About 170 species; see List of Banksia species
Synonyms
Sirmuellera Kuntze Isostylis (R.Br.) Spach

Banksia is a genus of around 170 species in the plant family Proteaceae. Banksia prionotes, commonly known as Acorn Banksia or Orange Banksia, is a species of woody Shrub or tree of the genus Banksia Plants are living Organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. The flowering plants or angiosperms ( Angiospermae or Magnoliophyta) are the most widespread group Dicotyledons, or "dicots", is a name for a group of Flowering plants whose Seed typically has two embryonic leaves or Cotyledons There Proteales is the Botanical name of an order of Flowering plants. Proteaceae is a family of Flowering plants. Mainly restricted to the Southern Hemisphere, it is a fairly large family with around 80 genera Carl von Linné or Carolus Linnaeus the Younger ( 20 January 1741 &ndash 1 November 1783) was a Swedish naturalist As with other Flowering plants the taxonomy of Banksia is based on anatomical and morphological properties of the Banksia This is an alphabetically ordered list of Banksia species, as of 2007 In Scientific nomenclature, synonyms are different Scientific names used for a single Taxon. Otto Carl Ernst Kuntze ( June 23 1843 - 1907 was a German botanist. Robert Brown FRS ( 21 December, 1773 &ndash 10 June, 1858) was a Scottish scientist who is acknowledged as the leading botanist A genus (plural genera from Γένος Latin genus "descent family type gender" is a low-level Taxonomic In Biology, a species is one of the basic units of Biological classification and a Taxonomic rank. Plants are living Organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. In Biological classification, family ( Latin Proteaceae is a family of Flowering plants. Mainly restricted to the Southern Hemisphere, it is a fairly large family with around 80 genera Iconic Australian wildflower and popular garden plants, they are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting "cones" and can vary from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 metres tall. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. A garden is a planned space usually outdoors set aside for the display cultivation and enjoyment of Plants and other forms of Nature. Plants are living Organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. A shrub or Bush is a horticultural rather than strictly botanical category of Woody plant, distinguished from a Tree They are generally found in a wide variety of landscapes; sclerophyll forest, (occasionally) rainforest, shrubland, and some more arid landscapes, though not in Australia's deserts. Sclerophyll is a type of vegetation that has hard leaves and short internodes (the distance between leaves along the stem

Heavy producers of nectar, banksias form a vital part of the food chain in the Australian bush. Nectar is a Sugar -rich liquid produced by plants It is produced either by the Flowers in which it attracts pollinating animals or by extrafloral They are an important food source for all sorts of nectariferous animals, including birds, bats, rats, possums and a host of invertebrates. Furthermore, they are of economic importance to Australia's nursery and cut flower industries. A nursery is a place where Plants are propagated and grown to usable size Floristry is the general term used to describe the professional floral trade However these plants are threatened by a number of processes including land clearing, frequent burning and disease, and a number of species are rare and endangered. A rare species is an Organism which is very uncommon or scarce An endangered species is a population of an organism which is at risk of becoming Extinct because it is either few in numbers or threatened by changing environmental or predation

Contents 1 Description 2 Taxonomy 3 Distribution and Habitat 4 Ecology 4.1 Response to fire 4.2 Dieback 5 Uses 5.1 In the garden 5.2 Cut flower industry 5.3 Woodworking 5.4 Indigenous uses 5.5 Musical Instruments 6 Cultural references 6.1 Field guides and other technical resources 6.2 May Gibb's "Banksia men" 6.3 Other cultural references 7 Notes 8 References 9 See also 10 External links

Description

Banksias grow as trees or woody shrubs. Banksia prionotes, commonly known as Acorn Banksia or Orange Banksia, is a species of woody Shrub or tree of the genus Banksia Floreat is a western suburb in the Western Australian city of Perth. Description Banksia blechnifolia is a prostrate shrub with thick horizontal stems and vertical leathery herringbone leaves rising some 20cm high Maranoa Gardens is located next to Beckett Park in Balwyn, a suburb of Melbourne Australia. A tree is a perennial Woody plant. It is most often defined as a woody plant that has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single main stem or A shrub or Bush is a horticultural rather than strictly botanical category of Woody plant, distinguished from a Tree Trees of the largest species, B. integrifolia (Coast Banksia) and B. seminuda (River Banksia), often grow over 15 metres tall, and may be up to 30 metres tall^[1]. Banksia integrifolia, commonly known as Coast Banksia, is a Species of Tree that grows along the east coast of Australia. Banksia seminuda, commonly known as the River Banksia, is a Tree in the Plant Genus Banksia. Banksia species that grow as shrubs are usually erect, but there are several species that are prostrate, with branches that grow on or below the soil.

The leaves of Banksia vary greatly between species. Sizes vary from the narrow, 1–1½ centimetre long leaves of B. ericifolia (Heath-leaved Banksia), to the very large leaves of B. grandis (Bull Banksia), which may be up to 45 centimetres long. Banksia ericifolia, the Heath-leaved Banksia (also known as the Lantern Banksia or Heath Banksia) is a Species of woody Shrub Banksia grandis, commonly known as Bull Banksia, Giant Banksia or Mangite, is a common and distinctive tree in South West The leaves of most species have serrated edges, but a few, such as B.  integrifolia, do not. Leaves are usually arranged along the branches in irregular spirals, but in some species they are crowded together in whorls. Many species have differing juvenile and adult leaves (e. g. Banksia integrifolia has large serrated juvenile leaves).

Banksias are most easily recognised by their characteristic flower spike, known as an inflorescence, and the woody fruiting structures that appear after flowering. An inflorescence is a group or cluster of Flowers arranged on a stem that is composed of a main Branch or a complicated arrangement of branches The flower spike consists of a central woody axis with a furry coating; it is generally held erect, but hangs down in a few species. This axis is covered in tightly-packed pairs of flowers, which are attached to the axis at right angles. A single flower spike generally contains hundreds, if not thousands of flowers. The most recorded is around 6000 individual flowers on inflorescences of B.  grandis.

Banksia flowers are usually a shade of yellow, but orange, red and pink flowers also occur. Yellow is the Color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M (long and medium wavelength Cone cells of the Retina about equally The colour orange occurs Red is any of a number of similar Colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of Light discernible by the human eye in the wavelength Pink is a pale Red Color that was first recorded in the 17th century to describe the pale red Flowers of pinks, Flowering plants The colour of the flowers is determined by the colour of the perianth parts and often the style. The term perianth has two similar but separate meanings in botany In Flowering plants the perianth is the outer sterile whorls of a Flower (see A gynoecium (from Ancient Greek gyne, "woman" is the Female reproductive part of a Flower. The style is much longer than the perianth, and is initially trapped by the upper perianth parts. These are gradually released over a period of days, either from top to bottom or from bottom to top. When the styles and perianth parts are different colours, the visual effect is of a colour change sweeping along the spike. This can be most spectacular in B. prionotes (Acorn Banksia) and related species, as the white inflorescence in bud becomes a brilliant orange. Banksia prionotes, commonly known as Acorn Banksia or Orange Banksia, is a species of woody Shrub or tree of the genus Banksia In most case, the individual flowers are tall, thin saccate (sack-shaped) in shape.

Occasionally, multiple flower spikes can form. Banksia ericifolia, the Heath-leaved Banksia (also known as the Lantern Banksia or Heath Banksia) is a Species of woody Shrub This is most often seen in Banksia marginata and B. ericifolia^[2][3] (pictured right). Banksia marginata, commonly known as Silver Banksia, is a species of tree or woody shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia Banksia ericifolia, the Heath-leaved Banksia (also known as the Lantern Banksia or Heath Banksia) is a Species of woody Shrub

As the flower spikes age, the flower parts dry up and may turn shades of orange, tan or dark brown colour, before fading to grey over a period of years. In some species, old flower parts are lost, revealing the furry axis; in others, the old flower parts may persist for many years, giving the spikes a hairy appearance. Old flower spikes are commonly referred to as "cones", although they are not: cones only occur in conifers and cycads. A cone (in formal botanical usage Strobilus, plural strobili is an organ on Plants in the division Pinophyta ( Conifers Cycads are a group of Seed plants characterized by a large crown of compound leaves and a stout trunk.

Despite the large size of the flower spike and the huge number of flowers per spike, only a very small number of flowers ever develop fruit, and in some species a flower spike will often set no fruit at all. The fruit of Banksia is a woody follicle embedded in the "cone". In botany a follicle is a dry unilocular many-seeded Fruit formed from one carpel and dehiscing by the ventral suture in order to release seeds such as in Larkspur These consist of two horizontal valves that tightly enclose the seeds. The follicle opens to release the seed by splitting along the suture, and in some species each valve splits too. In some species the follicles open as soon as the seed is mature, but in most species most follicles open only after stimulated to do so by bushfire. Ladysmith-RFSJPG|right|thumb| Ladysmith NSW RFS fire fighting tanker]]A Bushfire is a Fire that occurs in the bush (collective term for Each follicle usually contains one or two small seeds, each with a wedge-shaped papery wing that causes it to spin as it falls to the ground.

Taxonomy

Main article: Taxonomy of Banksia

The Banksia genus was first described and named by Carolus Linnaeus the Younger in his April 1782 publication Supplementum Plantarum; hence the full name for the genus is "Banksia L. As with other Flowering plants the taxonomy of Banksia is based on anatomical and morphological properties of the Banksia Carl von Linné or Carolus Linnaeus the Younger ( 20 January 1741 &ndash 1 November 1783) was a Swedish naturalist Year 1782 ( MDCCLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Supplementum Plantarum Systematis Vegetabilium Editionis Decimae Tertiae Generum Plantarum Editiones Sextae et Specierum Plantarum Editionis Secundae, commonly abbreviated to Supplementum f. " The genus name honours the English botanist Sir Joseph Banks, who collected the first Banksia specimens in 1770, during James Cook's first expedition. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Botany, plant science(s, phytology, or plant biology is a branch of Biology and is the scientific study of plant Life Sir Joseph Banks 1st Baronet, GCB, PRS (13 February 1743 &ndash 19 June 1820 was an English naturalist, botanist and patron of Year 1770 ( MDCCLXX) was a Common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting on Friday Captain James Cook FRS RN ( – 14 February 1779) was an English Explorer, Navigator and

Banksia belongs to the family Proteaceae, subfamily Grevilleoideae, and tribe Banksieae. Proteaceae is a family of Flowering plants. Mainly restricted to the Southern Hemisphere, it is a fairly large family with around 80 genera Grevilleoideae is a subfamily of the Proteaceae Family of Flowering plants. Grevilleoideae is a subfamily of the Proteaceae Family of Flowering plants. Banksia and the closely related Dryandra are placed together in subtribe Banksiinae, mainly because in both genera the flowers occur in condensed heads. Grevilleoideae is a subfamily of the Proteaceae Family of Flowering plants. Recent research into the relationship between Banksia and Dryandra has suggested that Dryandra should be sunk into Banksia.

The exact number of species of Banksia is a matter of some contention. The most recent authoritative synopsis, George (1999), listed 76 species. Since then a new species, B.  rosserae, has been published,^[4] bringing the number of species to 77. However George (1999) gave subspecific rank to four taxa that had previously been promoted to species by Kevin Thiele in his 1996 cladistic analysis of the genus. Kevin R Thiele is Curator of the Western Australian Herbarium. Cladistics is the hierarchical classification of Species based on evolutionary ancestry Some Australian herbaria have continued to follow Thiele and Ladiges in ranking these taxa as species, thus recognising 81 species. In Botany, a Herbarium is a collection of preserved Plant specimens Furthermore Harden (2002) recognises the species B.  cunninghamii Sieber ex Reichb, even though both George (1999) and Thiele and Ladiges (1996) consider it a subspecies of B.  spinulosa. Finally, B. paludosa subsp. astrolux is under review and is likely to be raised to species level soon. The Swamp Banksia ( Banksia paludosa) is a species of shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia.

Distribution and Habitat

All but one of the Banksia species are endemic to Australia. Endemism is the Ecological state of being unique to a place Endemic species are not naturally found elsewhere The exception is B. dentata (Tropical Banksia), which occurs throughout northern Australia, and on islands to the north including New Guinea and the Aru Islands. The Tropical Banksia ( Banksia dentata) is a species of small tree in the Plant Genus Banksia. New Guinea, located just north of Australia, is the world's second largest island, having become separated from the Australian mainland when the area now known The Aru Islands (also Aroe Islands or Kepulauan Aru are a group of about ninety-five low-lying Islands in the Maluku province of eastern Indonesia The other species occur in two distinct geographical regions: southwest Western Australia and eastern Australia. This article is about an ecoregion for other uses see Southwest Western Australia. Western Australia is a state occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. Southwest Western Australia is the main centre of biodiversity; over three quarters of Banksia species occur only there, from Exmouth down to east of Esperance. Biodiversity is the variation of Life forms within a given Ecosystem, Biome or for the entire Earth. Exmouth is a town on the tip of the North West Cape in Western Australia. Esperance is a town in Western Australia, located on the south coast around half-way between Albany and the South Australian border Eastern Australia has far fewer species, but these include some of best known and most widely distributed species, including B.  integrifolia and B. spinulosa (Hairpin Banksia). The Hairpin Banksia ( Banksia spinulosa) is a species of woody Shrub, of the genus Banksia in the Proteaceae family native to eastern Here they occur from the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia right around the east coast up to Cape York in Queensland. Eyre Peninsula is a triangular Peninsula in South Australia. It is bounded on the east by Spencer Gulf, the west by the Great Australian Bight This article is about the peninsula located in the Australian state of Queensland; it should not be confused with either Yorke Peninsula in South Australia Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern corner of the mainland continent

The vast majority of Banksia are found in sandy (or gravelly) soils, though some populations of B. marginata (Silver Banksia) and B. Banksia marginata, commonly known as Silver Banksia, is a species of tree or woody shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia  spinulosa do occur on heavier, more clay-like, soils. B.  seminuda is exceptional for its preference for rich loams along watercourses. Most occur in heathlands or low woodlands, but B. Heaths are Shrubland habitats characterised by open low growing woody Vegetation, found on mainly infertile Acidic soils Ecologically a woodland is an area covered in trees differentiated from a Forest.  seminuda and B.  integrifolia both grow in forests. A forest is an area with a high density of Trees There are many definitions of a forest based on various criteria Most species do not grow well near the coast, and few species, including B. rosserae and B. elderiana (Swordfish Banksia), occur in arid areas. The coast is defined as the part of the land adjoining or near the Ocean. Banksia rosserae is a recently described species of Banksia. Endemic to inland Western Australia, it is the only Banksia species The Swordfish Banksia ( Banksia elderiana) also known as the Palm Banksia, is a species of shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia A desert is a Landscape or region that receives very little precipitation. Most of the eastern Australian species survive in uplands, but of the Western Australian species only B. solandri (Stirling Range Banksia) survives at high altitudes. In Geology, an upland is generally considered to be land that is along streams and at a higher Elevation than the Alluvial plain or Stream Banksia solandri, commonly known as Stirling Range Banksia, is a species of large shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia

Studies of the south-western species have found the distribution of Banksia species to be primarily constrained by rainfall. With the exception of B.  rosserae, no species tolerates annual rainfall of less than 200 millimetres, despite many species surviving in areas that receive less than 400 millimetres. Banksia species are present throughout the region of suitable rainfall, with greatest speciation in cooler, wetter areas. Hotter, drier regions around the edges of the genus's range tend to have fewer species with larger distributions. The greatest species richness occurs in association with uplands, especially the Stirling Range. ^[5]

Ecology

Main article: Ecology of Banksia

Banksias are heavy producers of nectar, and so are important sources of food for nectariferous animals, including honeyeaters and small mammals such as rodents, antechinus, honey possums, pygmy possums, gliders and bats^[6]. Waverley is an eastern Suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The ecology of Banksia refers to all the relationships and interactions among the Plant Genus Banksia and its environment. Nectar is a Sugar -rich liquid produced by plants It is produced either by the Flowers in which it attracts pollinating animals or by extrafloral The honeyeaters are a large and diverse family of small to medium sized birds most common in Australia and New Guinea, The Honey Possum ( Tarsipes rostratus) or Noolbenger is a tiny Australian Marsupial weighing just seven to eleven grams for the male and The pygmy possums are species of small Possums that together form the Marsupial family Burramyidae. Many of these animals play a role in pollination of Banksia. Various studies have shown mammals and birds to be important pollinators. ^[7][8] An interesting observation by Carpenter in 1978 was that some banksias had a stronger odour at night possibly to attract mammal pollinators. Other associated fauna include the larvae of moths (such as the Dryandra Moth) and weevils, which burrow into the "cones" to eat the seeds and pupate in the follicles; and birds such as cockatoos, who break off the "cones" to eat both the seeds and the insect larvae. A larva ( Latin; plural larvae) is a juvenile form of Animal with indirect development, undergoing Metamorphosis (for example A moth is an Insect closely related to the Butterfly, both being of the order Lepidoptera. The Dryandra Moth ( Carthaea saturnioides) is a species of Moth. A weevil is any Beetle from the Curculionoidea Superfamily. They are usually small less than 6  mm (¼  Inch) and herbivorous A pupa ( Latin pupa for doll pl pupae or pupas) is the life stage of some Insects undergoing transformation Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. A cockatoo is any of the 20 Bird Species belonging to the family Cacatuidae. Insects ( Class Insecta) are a major group of Arthropods and the most diverse group of Animals on the Earth with over a million described

A number of Banksia species are considered rare or endangered. These include B. brownii (Feather-leaved Banksia), B. cuneata (Matchstick Banksia), B. goodii (Good's Banksia), B. oligantha (Wagin Banksia), B. tricuspis (Pine Banksia), and B. verticillata (Granite Banksia). Banksia brownii, commonly known as Feather-leaved Banksia or Brown's Banksia, is a Species of Shrub that occurs in southwest Banksia cuneata, commonly known as the Matchstick Banksia or Quairading Banksia, is an Endangered species in the Plant family Banksia goodii, commonly known as Good's Banksia, is an endangered Shrub of Southwest Western Australia. Banksia oligantha, commonly known as the Wagin Banksia, is an Endangered species in the Plant family Proteaceae. The Lesueur Banksia or Pine Banksia ( Banksia tricuspis) is a species of shrub or tree in the Plant Genus Banksia. The Granite Banksia or Albany Banksia ( Banksia verticillata) is a species of large bushy shrub or tree in the Plant Genus Banksia

Response to fire

Banksia plants are naturally adapted to the presence of regular bushfires in the Australian landscape. Banksia prionotes, commonly known as Acorn Banksia or Orange Banksia, is a species of woody Shrub or tree of the genus Banksia Ladysmith-RFSJPG|right|thumb| Ladysmith NSW RFS fire fighting tanker]]A Bushfire is a Fire that occurs in the bush (collective term for About half of Banksia species are killed by bushfire, but these regenerate quickly from seed, as fire also stimulates the opening of seed-bearing follicles and the germination of seed in the ground. The remaining species usually survive bushfire, either because they have very thick bark that protects the trunk from fire, or because they have lignotubers from which they can resprout after fire. A lignotuber is a starchy swelling on underground stems or roots In Western Australia, the first group are known as 'seeders' while the second 'sprouters'. Western Australia is a state occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent.

Infrequent bushfires at expected intervals pose no threat, and are in fact beneficial for regeneration of banksia populations. The Candlestick Banksia ( Banksia attenuata) is a Species of Shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia. However, too frequent bushfires can seriously reduce or even eliminate populations from certain areas, by killing seedlings and young plants before they reach fruiting age. ^[9] Many fires near urban areas are caused by arson, and thus the frequency is often much higher than fires would have been prior to human habitation. Furthermore, residents who live in areas near bushland may pressure local councils to burn areas near homes more frequently, to reduce fuel-load in the bush and thus reduce ferocity of future fires. Unfortunately there are often discrepancies in agreed frequency between these groups and conservation groups.

Dieback

Another threat to Banksia is the water mould Phytophthora cinnamomi, commonly known as "dieback". Oomycetes also known as Water molds (or water moulds: see spelling differences) are a group of filamentous unicellular Heterokonts physically Phytophthora cinnamomi is a soil-borne Water mould that produces an infection which causes a condition in plants called "root rot" or "dieback" Dieback attacks the roots of plants, destroying the structure of the root tissues, "rotting" the root, and preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients. Banksia's proteoid roots, which help it to survive in low-nutrient soils, make it highly susceptible to this disease. Proteoid roots, also known as cluster roots, are Plant Roots that form clusters of closely spaced short lateral rootlets A disease is an abnormal condition of an organism that impairs bodily functions and can be deadly All Western Australian species are vulnerable, although most eastern species are fairly resistant^[10].

Vulnerable plants typically die within a few years of infection. In southwest Western Australia, where dieback infestation is widespread, infested areas of Banksia forest typically have less than 30% of the cover of uninfested areas. This article is about an ecoregion for other uses see Southwest Western Australia. Plant deaths in such large proportions can have a profound influence on the makeup of plant communities. For example, in southwestern Australia Banksia often occurs as an understory to forests of Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), another species highly vulnerable to dieback. Infestation kills both the Jarrah overstory and the Banksia understory, and over time these may be replaced by a more open woodland consisting of an overstory of the resistant Marri (Corymbia calophylla), and an understory of the somewhat resistant Parrotbush (Dryandra sessilis). Corymbia calophylla or the Marri (also known as Eucalyptus calophylla (R Banksia sessilis, commonly known as Parrot Bush, is a Species of Shrub or Tree in the Plant Genus ^[11]

A number of species of Banksia are threatened by dieback. Nearly every known wild population of B.  brownii shows some signs of dieback infection, which could possibly wipe it out within years. ^[12][13]. Other vulnerable species include B.  cuneata, and B.  verticillata.

Dieback is notoriously difficult to treat, although there has been some success with phosphite and phosphorous acid, which are currently used to inoculate wild B. The phosphite ion (PO33− is a Polyatomic ion with a Phosphorus central atom Phosphorous acid is the compound described by the formula H3PO3  brownii populations. However this is not without potential problems as it alters the soil composition by adding phosphorus. Phosphorus, (ˈfɒsfərəs is the Chemical element that has the symbol P and Atomic number 15 Some evidence suggests that phosphorous acid may inhibit proteoid root formation^[14].

Because dieback thrives in moist soil conditions, it can be a severe problem for Banksias that are watered, such as in the cut flower industry and urban gardens.

Uses

In the garden

Banksias are popular garden plants in Australia because of their large, showy flower heads, and because the large amounts of nectar they produce attracts birds and small mammals. The Southern Plains Banksia ( Banksia media) also known as Golden Stalk Banksia, is a species of shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia Maranoa Gardens is located next to Beckett Park in Balwyn, a suburb of Melbourne Australia. The Baxter's Banksia ( Banksia baxteri) also known as Bird's Nest Banksia, is a species of Shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia Colac is a town in the western district of Victoria Australia, situated approximately 150 kilometres south-west of Melbourne on the southern shore of Lake Colac Nectar is a Sugar -rich liquid produced by plants It is produced either by the Flowers in which it attracts pollinating animals or by extrafloral Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. Mammals ( class Mammalia) are a class of Vertebrate Animals characterized by the presence of Sweat glands, including sweat glands Popular garden species include B.  spinulosa, B.  ericifolia, B. aemula (Wallum Banksia ), B. serrata (Saw Banksia), Banksia media (Southern Plains Banksia) and the cultivar Banksia 'Giant Candles'. Banksia aemula, previously known in New South Wales as Banksia serratifolia, is a Lignotuberous Shrub closely related to Banksia serrata Banksia serrata, commonly known as Old Man Banksia, Saw Banksia, Saw-tooth Banksia and Red Honeysuckle, is one of the most common The Southern Plains Banksia ( Banksia media) also known as Golden Stalk Banksia, is a species of shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia A cultivar is a cultivated Plant that has been selected and given a unique name because of its decorative or useful characteristics it is usually distinct from similar Banksia 'Giant Candles' is a registered Banksia Cultivar. It is a hybrid between the Gosford form of B Banksia species are primarily propagated by seed in the home garden as cuttings can be difficult to strike. However commercial nurserymen extensively utilize the latter method (indeed, cultivars by nature must be vegetatively propagated by cuttings or grafting).

Over time, dwarf cultivars and prostrate species are becoming more popular as urban gardens grow ever smaller. These include miniature forms under 50cm high of B.  spinulosa and B.  media, as well as prostrate species such as B. petiolaris and B. blechnifolia . Banksia petiolaris is one of the prostrate banksias a group with horizontal stems and thick leathery upright leaves Description Banksia blechnifolia is a prostrate shrub with thick horizontal stems and vertical leathery herringbone leaves rising some 20cm high

Banksias possibly require more TLC (i. e. maintenance) than other Australian natives, though are fairly hardy if the right conditions are provided (sunny aspect and well drained sandy soil). They may need extra water during dry spells until established, which can take up to two years. If fertilised, only slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer should be used, as the proteoid roots may be damaged by high nutrient levels in the soil. Phosphorus, (ˈfɒsfərəs is the Chemical element that has the symbol P and Atomic number 15 Fertilizers ( also spelt fertiliser are chemical compounds given to Plants to promote growth they are usually applied either through the soil for uptake by plant A nutrient is food or chemicals that an organism needs to live and grow or a substance used in an organism's metabolism which must be taken in from its environment All respond well to some form of pruning.

Within the Australian horticultural community there is an active subculture of Banksia enthusiasts who seek out interesting flower variants, breed and propagate cultivars, exchange materials and undertake research into cultivation problems and challenges. The main forum for exchange of information within this group is ASGAP's Banksia Study Group. The Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants ( ASGAP) is a federation of seven state -based member organizations for people interested in Australia

Cut flower industry

With the exception of the nursery industry, Banksia have limited commercial use. A nursery is a place where Plants are propagated and grown to usable size For other uses of this term see Industry (disambiguation An industry (from Latin industrius, "diligent industrious" Some species, principally B. coccinea (Scarlet Banksia), B. baxteri, B. hookeriana (Hooker's Banksia), B. sceptrum) (Sceptre Banksia), B. speciosa (Showy Banksia) and B. menziesii (Menzies' Banksia) are grown on farms in Western and Southern Australia, as well as Israel and Hawaii, and the flower heads harvested for the cut flower trade. Banksia coccinea, commonly known as the Scarlet Banksia, Waratah Banksia or Albany Banksia, is an erect shrub or small tree in the The Baxter's Banksia ( Banksia baxteri) also known as Bird's Nest Banksia, is a species of Shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia The Hooker's Banksia ( Banksia hookeriana) is a species of shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia. Banksia sceptrum, the Sceptre Banksia occurs in Western Australia near the central west coast from Geraldton north through Kalbarri to Hamelin Pool The Showy Banksia ( Banksia speciosa) is a species of large shrub or small tree in the Plant Genus Banksia. Banksia menziesii, commonly known as Firewood Banksia, Menzies Banksia or Firewheel Banksia, is a Species of small Tree Floriculture, or flower farming, is a discipline of Horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flowering and Ornamental plants for gardens and Their nectar is also sought by beekeepers, not for the quality of the honey, which is often poor, but because the trees provide an abundant and reliable source of nectar at times when other sources provide little. A beekeeper is a person who keeps Honey bees for the purposes of securing commodities such as Honey, Beeswax, Pollen; pollinating Honey is a sweet and Viscous fluid produced by Honey bees (and some other species and derived from the nectar of Flowers According to the

Woodworking

Banksia wood is a red colour with an attractive grain, but it is rarely used as it warps badly on drying. Banksia grandis, commonly known as Bull Banksia, Giant Banksia or Mangite, is a common and distinctive tree in South West Wood is hard fibrous lignified structural tissue produced as secondary Xylem in the stems of Woody plants notably trees but also shrubs It is occasionally used for ornamental purposes, such as turnery and cabinet panelling, and has also been used to make keels for small boats. In boats and ships keel can refer to either of two parts a structural element or a hydrodynamic element A boat is a Watercraft of modest size designed to float or plane on water and provide transport over it Historically, the wood of certain species such as B. serrata was used for yokes and boat parts. ^[15] The large "cones" or seed pods of B.  grandis are used for woodturning projects. Woodturning is a form of Woodworking that is used to create wooden objects on a lathe. They are also sliced up and sold as drink coasters; these are generally marketed as souvenirs for international tourists. A souvenir (from French, for memory) memento or keepsake is an object a traveler brings home for the memories associated with Tourism is Travel for Recreational or Leisure purposes The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel Woodturners throughout the world value Banksia pods for making ornamental objects. [1][2][3]

Indigenous uses

The Indigenous people of south-western Australia would suck on the flower spikes to obtain the nectar, they also soaked the flower spikes in water to make a sweet drink^[16]. Indigenous Australians are descendants of the first known human inhabitants of the Australian continent and its nearby islands. Banksia trees are a reliable source of grubs which are extracted as food.

Musical Instruments

Banksia is used in musical instrument making, as a top for the acoustic Stompbox and guitar inlays by Western Australian luthier Ellis Guitars. A stomp box or stompbox is a simple Percussion instrument consisting of a small wooden box placed under the foot which is tapped or stamped on rhythmically to Ellis Guitars is a company based in Perth, Western Australia producing handmade Acoustic guitars and acoustic stompboxes.

Cultural references

Field guides and other technical resources

A number of field guides and other semi-technical books on the genus have been published. These include:

Field Guide to Banksias

Written by Ivan Holliday and Geoffrey Watton and first published in 1975, this book contained descriptions and colour photographs of species known at the time. It was largely outdated by the publication of Alex George's classic 1981 monograph, but a revised and updated second edition was released in 1990.

The Banksias

This three volume monograph contains watercolour paintings of every Banksia species by renowned botanical illustrator Celia Rosser, with accompanying text by Alex George. Watercolor ( US) or Watercolour ( UK) (and "aquarelle" in French is a Painting method A botanical illustrator is a person who paints sketches or otherwise illustrates botanical subjects such as trees and flowers Celia Elizabeth Rosser (born 1930 is a renowned Australian Botanical illustrator, best known for having published The Banksias, a three-volume Its publication represents the first time that such a large genus has been entirely painted. Published by Academic Press in association with Monash University, the three volumes were published in 1981, 1988 and 2000 respectively. Monash University is a Public university based in Melbourne, Australia.

The Banksia Book

Begun by Fred Humphries and Charles Gardner, both of whom passed away before its completion, The Banksia Book was eventually completed by Alex George and first published in 1984. A comprehensive volume containing colour illustrations of every species, it is now in its third edition, published in 1996. This book is sought after by many and becoming hard to find.

The Banksia Atlas

In 1983 the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) decided to pilot an Australia-wide distribution study of a significant plant genus. The Banksia Atlas is an Atlas that documents the ranges habitats and growth forms of various Species and other subgeneric taxa of Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS is a project undertaken by Parks Australia Division of Australia 's Department of the Environment and Heritage. Banksia was chosen because it was a high-profile, widely distributed genus that was easily identified, but for which distribution and habitat was poorly known. The study mobilised over 400 volunteers, collecting over 25,000 field observations over a two year period. Outcomes included the discovery of two new species, as well as new varieties and some rare colour variants, and discoveries of previously unknown populations of rare and threatened species. The collated data was used to create The Banksia Atlas, which was first published in 1988. The Banksia Atlas is an Atlas that documents the ranges habitats and growth forms of various Species and other subgeneric taxa of ^[17].

Banksias, Waratahs and Grevilleas and all other plants in the Australian Proteaceae family

Written by J. W. Wrigley and M. Fagg, this was published by Collins Publishers in 1989. A comprehensive text on all the Proteaceae genera with good historical notes and an overview of the 1975 Johnson & Briggs classification. It is out of print and hard to find.

May Gibb's "Banksia men"

Perhaps the best known cultural reference to Banksia is the "big bad Banksia men" of May Gibbs' children's book Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. History of the Gardens When Canberra was being planned in the 1930s the establishment of the gardens was recommended in a report in 1933 by the Advisory Council of Federal Canberra ( is the capital city of Australia With a population of over 340000 it is Australia's largest inland City. Cecilia May Gibbs MBE ( 17 January 1877 &ndash 27 November 1969) was an Australian children's author illustrator and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are a series of Childrens books written by Australian author May Gibbs. Cecilia May Gibbs MBE ( 17 January 1877 &ndash 27 November 1969) was an Australian children's author illustrator and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are a series of Childrens books written by Australian author May Gibbs. Gibb's "Banksia men" are modelled on the appearance of aged Banksia "cones", with follicles for eyes and other facial features. There is some contention over which species actually provided the inspiration for the "Banksia men": the drawings most resemble the old cones of B.  aemula, but B. attenuata (Slender Banksia) has also been cited, as this was the species that Gibbs saw as a child in Western Australia. The Candlestick Banksia ( Banksia attenuata) is a Species of Shrub in the Plant Genus Banksia.

Other cultural references

In 1989, the Banksia Environmental Foundation was created to support and recognise people and organizations that make a positive contribution to the environment. The Banksia Environmental Foundation is an Australian organization created in 1989 to support and confer recognition on individuals and organizations that make a positive The Foundation launched the annual Banksia Environmental Awards in the same year. The Banksia Environmental Foundation is an Australian organization created in 1989 to support and confer recognition on individuals and organizations that make a positive ^[18]

Notes

References

• Boland, D. J. et al. (1984). Forest Trees of Australia (Fourth edition revised and enlarged). CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. ISBN 0-643-05423-5.  .
• George, A. S. (1981). Alexander Segger George (born 4 April 1939 is a Western Australian Botanist. Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 "The Genus Banksia". Nuytsia 3 (3): 239–473.  
• George, A. S. (1999). Alexander Segger George (born 4 April 1939 is a Western Australian Botanist. "Banksia", in Wilson, Annette (ed. ): Flora of Australia: Volume 17B: Proteaceae 3: Hakea to Dryandra. CSIRO Publishing / Australian Biological Resources Study, 175–251. ISBN 0-643-06454-0.  
• Harden, Gwen (2002). "Banksia", in Harden, Gwen (ed): Flora of New South Wales: Volume 2 (Revised Edition). New South Wales University Press, Kensington, 82–86. ISBN 0-86840-156-0.  
• Taylor, Anne and Stephen Hopper (1988). Stephen Donald Hopper (born 1951 is a Western Australian Botanist, specialising in Conservation biology and vascular plants The Banksia Atlas (Australian Flora and Fauna Series Number 8). The Banksia Atlas is an Atlas that documents the ranges habitats and growth forms of various Species and other subgeneric taxa of Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. ISBN 0-644-07124-9.  
• Thiele, Kevin and Ladiges, Pauline Y. (1996). Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) "A Cladistic Analysis of Banksia (Proteaceae)". Australian Systematic Botany 9: 661–733.  

The Banksia Book, Alex George, Kangaroo Press

See also

• Banksia Environmental Foundation

External links

• Banksia. The Banksia Environmental Foundation is an Australian organization created in 1989 to support and confer recognition on individuals and organizations that make a positive Flora of Australia Online. The Flora of Australia is a 59 volume series describing the vascular plants bryophytes and lichens present in Australian and its external territories Department of the Environment and Heritage, Australian Government. The Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA formerly the Department of the Environment and Water Resources (DEWR is a department of the Australian
• Banksia L.f.. FloraBase. FloraBase is a public access web-based database of the Flora of Western Australia. Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia. The Department of Environment and Conservation is a department of the Government of Western Australia that is responsible for implementing the state's conservation and environment
• The Banksia Page of ASGAP
• Banksia Study Group of ASGAP
• Banksia Farm, Private collection of all Banksia Species, Mt. The Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants ( ASGAP) is a federation of seven state -based member organizations for people interested in Australia The Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants ( ASGAP) is a federation of seven state -based member organizations for people interested in Australia Barker, Western Australia

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