Common Name: Silver Banksia
Botanical Name: Banksia marginata
Family: PROTEACEAE
Description:
Low shrub approximately 1m high on poor sandy soils, to a tree 5-7 m high on more favourable sites. Stiff, oblong, green above, white below, margins recurved and usually without teeth (except juveniles), 2-8 cm long by 3-8 mm wide. Yellow, cylindrical, dense spikes, 5-10 cm long by 4 cm wide. Varies, usually between late spring to autumn. Persistent, woody cylindrical cone amongst fibrous bracts and sterile flowes with numerous 2-valved capsules, 2 black triangular seeds enclosed. Variable. Shrub-form retains it seed and can be collected throughout the year. Tree-form releases its seed and can be collected late summer to early autumn.
Low shrub approximately 1m high on poor sandy soils, to a tree 5-7 m high on more favourable sites. Stiff, oblong, green above, white below, margins recurved and usually without teeth (except juveniles), 2-8 cm long by 3-8 mm wide. Yellow, cylindrical, dense spikes, 5-10 cm long by 4 cm wide. Varies, usually between late spring to autumn. Persistent, woody cylindrical cone amongst fibrous bracts and sterile flowes with numerous 2-valved capsules, 2 black triangular seeds enclosed. Variable. Shrub-form retains it seed and can be collected throughout the year. Tree-form releases its seed and can be collected late summer to early autumn.
Natural Distribution:
Occurs in most agricultural districts of SA (absent from Yorke Peninsula). Restricted to higher rainfall areas. Extends into Qld, NSW, Vic and Tas. Common to woodland areas.
Occurs in most agricultural districts of SA (absent from Yorke Peninsula). Restricted to higher rainfall areas. Extends into Qld, NSW, Vic and Tas. Common to woodland areas.
Notes:
Species name marginata is derived from Latin, referring to the recurved margins of the leaf. The name 'silver banksia' refers to the white underside of the leaf.
Species name marginata is derived from Latin, referring to the recurved margins of the leaf. The name 'silver banksia' refers to the white underside of the leaf.
