Banksia spinulosa

Smith

Hairpin Banksia

Proteaceae Edible: Nectar, Seeds 3,857 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Banksia spinulosa, the hairpin banksia, is a species of woody shrub, of the genus Banksia in the family Proteaceae, native to eastern Australia. Widely distributed, it is found as an understorey plant in open dry forest or heathland from Victoria to northern Queensland, generally on sandstone though sometimes also clay soils. It generally grows as a small shrub to 2 metres (7 ft) in height, though can be a straggly tree to 6 metres (20 ft). It has long narrow leaves with inflorescences which can vary considerably in coloration; while the spikes are gold or less commonly yellowish, the emergent styles may be a wide range of colours – from black, purple, red, orange or yellow. Banksia spinulosa was named by James Edward Smith in England in 1793, after being collected by John White, most likely in 1792. He gave it the common name prickly-leaved banksia, though this has fallen out of use. With four currently recognised varieties, the species has had a complicated taxonomic history, with two varieties initially described as separate species in the early 19th century. A fourth, from the New England region, has only recently been described. However, there has been disagreement whether one, var. cunninghamii, is distinct enough to once again have specific status. The pre-eminent authority on Banksia, Alex George, concedes there is still more work to be done on the Banksia spinulosa complex. The hairpin banksia is pollinated by and provides food for a wide array of vertebrate and invertebrate animals in the autumn and winter months. Its floral display and fine foliage have made it a popular garden plant with many horticultural selections available. With the recent trend towards smaller gardens, compact dwarf forms of Banksia spinulosa have become popular; the first available, Banksia 'Birthday Candles', has achieved a great deal of commercial success and wide recognition, and has been followed by several others.

Description

A medium spreading shrub. It grows 1-4 m tall. It can spread 1-4 m across. The leaves are narrow and the edges of the leaves are rolled under. The edges have small teeth. The leaves are green above and paler underneath. They are 2-10 cm long by 0.2-0.7 cm wide. The flowers are golden yellow. They are in flower heads up to 18 cm long. The fruit are follicles and the seed are retained after maturity.

Edible Uses

Both the nectar and seeds are edible.

Distribution

It is a warm temperate to subtropical plant. It grows in coastal areas. It does best in acid soils. It cannot tolerate high pH. It needs well drained soils. It needs full sun. It can stand heavy frosts. Hobart Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Tasmania,

Cultivation

It can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Notes

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

Synonyms

Banksia collina

References (21)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 131
Caton, J.M. & Hardwick, R. J., 2016, Field Guide to Useful Native Plants from Temperate Australia. Harbour Publishing House. p 122
Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 62
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 219
Edible and Useful Native Plants (off internet)

Show all 21 references

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