Banksia integrifolia

Banksia integrifolia, commonly known as the coast banksia, is a species of tree that grows along the east coast of Australia. One of the most widely distributed Banksia species, it occurs between Victoria and Central Queensland in a broad range of habitats, from coastal dunes to mountains. It is highly variable in form, but is most often encountered as a tree up to 25 metres (82 ft) in height. Its leaves have dark green upper surfaces and white undersides, a contrast that can be striking on windy days. It is one of the four original Banksia species collected by Sir Joseph Banks in 1770, and one of four species published in 1782 as part of Carolus Linnaeus the Younger's original description of the genus. It has had a complicated taxonomic history, with numerous species and varieties ascribed to it, only to be rejected or promoted to separate species. Modern taxonomy recognises three subspecies: B. integrifolia subsp. integrifolia, B. integrifolia subsp. compar and B. integrifolia subsp. monticola. A hardy and versatile garden plant, B. integrifolia is widely planted in Australian gardens. It is a popular choice for parks and streetscapes, and has been used for bush revegetation and stabilisation of dunes. Its hardiness has prompted research into its suitability for use as a rootstock in the cut flower trade, but has also caused concerns about its potential to become a weed outside its natural habitat.

Description

A medium sized tree. It grows to about 15-25 m tall. It spreads 2-10 m wide. The leaves are dull green above and silvery below. They can be 20 cm long. The young leaves have teeth along the edge while older leaves have smooth edges. The flowers are pale yellow on flower heads up to 15 cm long. Several different varieties of this plant occur. The fruit are silvery-grey cones with seed sacs which stick out the side.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Nectar Edible Uses: The flowers are rich in nectar and this is sometimes harvested as a food. It is best harvested in the morning before birds and evaporation deplete the yields. The flowers can be sucked or soaked in water in order to obtain the nectar.

Traditional Uses

The flowers are soaked in water to make a drink from the nectar.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a warm temperate to subtropical plant. It grows along the coast. It grows on sand dunes. It is hardy and resistant to salt spray. It can grow from tropical to temperate climates. It needs moist well drained soil or dry soil. It can tolerate light frosts. It suits hardiness zones 8-11. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Tasmania,

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils. Requires a lime-free soil. Thrives in acid sandy loams. Prefers a pH between 6.3 and 6.5. If this species is to be successfully cultivated, the soil should be low in nutrients, especially in nitrates and phosphates. Quite resistant to wind and salt spray, it grows well by the coast. Plants growing in exposed positions have entire leaves whilst those in sheltered positions have serrated leaves. Plants require greenhouse protection in most parts of Britain but they succeed outdoors on a sheltered wall in the mildest areas of the country. Plants in Australian gardens tolerate temperatures down to at least -7°c, but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters. A polymorphic species, there are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value. A good bee plant.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in an ericaceous compost as soon as the seed is ripe or as soon as it is obtained and do not exclude light. Seal the pot in a plastic bag until germination takes place, which can take 1 - 3 months or more at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in sand in a frame.

Other Uses

Rootstock Tannin Wood The bark contains about 10% tannin. Used as a rootstock for other members of this genus. Wood - soft, easily worked, pinkish with a prominent grain. It is highly decorative but the plants tend to be gnarled and irregular thus limiting its use. Used for veneers, furniture etc. Special Uses Attracts Wildlife

Notes

There are about 75 Banksia species. They are mostly in Australia.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Dhiinaa

References (37)

• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 129
• Breidahl H., 1997, Australian Southern Shores. Lothian. p 80
• Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 160
• Caton, J.M. & Hardwick, R. J., 2016, Field Guide to Useful Native Plants from Temperate Australia. Harbour Publishing House. p 44
• Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 134

More from Proteaceae

Banksia attenuata

Candlestick Banksia, Coast Banksia, Slender Banksia

Banksia candolleana

Propeller Banksia

Banksia dentata

Bottle brush, Swamp Banksia, Tropical Banksia, Northern Banksia

Banksia ericifolia

Heath banksia, Heath-leaved Banksia

Banksia grandis

Bull Banksia, Poolgarla, Mangite, Beera, Boolgalla, Boorarup

Banksia littoralis

Swamp banksia, Seaside banksia