Banksia sphaerocarpa

R. Br.

Round-fruited Banksia, Fox Banksia

Proteaceae Edible: Nectar 382 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Banksia sphaerocarpa, commonly known as the fox banksia or round-fruit banksia, is a species of shrub or tree in the plant genus Banksia (family Proteaceae). It is generally encountered as a 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) high shrub, and is usually smaller in the north of its range. This species has narrow green leaves, and brownish, orange or yellow round flower spikes which may be seen from January to July. It is widely distributed across the southwest of Western Australia, growing exclusively in sandy soils. It is usually the dominant plant in scrubland or low woodland. It is pollinated by, and is a food source for, birds, mammals, and insects. First described in 1810 by botanist Robert Brown, B. sphaerocarpa has a complicated taxonomic history, and several taxa once classified as part of a broadly defined B. sphaerocarpa have since been named as species in their own right. At present, most authorities recognise five varieties; the largest variety, B. sphaerocarpa var. dolichostyla (ironcap banksia), is sometimes given species rank as B. dolichostyla. B. sphaerocarpa is classified as Not Threatened under the Wildlife Conservation Act of Western Australia, although two varieties have been placed on the Declared Rare and Priority Flora List—var. latifolia has been designated a Priority Two – Poorly Known taxon, and var. dolichostyla falls under Declared Rare Flora. None of the varieties are commonly seen in cultivation.

Description

A medium sized shrub. It grows 1.5-2.5 m high. It spreads 2-3.5 m across. The leaves are narrow and blue-green. The flowers are purplish-gold. They are round.

Edible Uses

The nectar is edible and can be harvested from the flowers.

Distribution

It grows in warm temperate places often in semiarid regions. It needs well drained soils. It can stand light frosts.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.

Notes

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

References (6)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 131
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 303
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 38
Molyneux, B & Forrester, S., 1997, The Austraflora A-Z of Australian Plants. Reed. p 52
Paczkowska, G . & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Catalogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 468

Show all 6 references