Banksia robur

Cav.

Swamp banksia

Proteaceae Edible: Flower nectar - drink 1,697 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Banksia robur, commonly known as swamp banksia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae. It grows in sand or peaty sand in coastal areas from Cooktown in north Queensland to the Illawarra region on the New South Wales south coast. It is often found in areas which are seasonally inundated. It grows as a multistemmed shrub to 3 m (10 ft) tall, with large, leathery tough green leaves with serrated margins up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 10 cm (4 in) wide. The new growth is colourful, in shades of red, maroon or brown with a dense felt-like covering of brown hairs. Hybrids with its close relative, B. oblongifolia (fern-leaved banksia) can be sometimes found where both species occur (such as near Bulli in the Illawarra), with features intermediate between both species. Although it was one of the original banksias collected by Joseph Banks around Botany Bay in 1770, it was not formally described until 1800 by Antonio José Cavanilles, with a type collection by Luis Née in 1793.

Description

A spreading shrub. It grows 1-2 m tall. The leave are alternate and narrowly oval. They can be 40 cm long. There are teeth along the edge. They are velvety white underneath. The flowers are in large spikes up to 17 cm long and 5-6 cm wide. They are a metallic green with pinkish styles in the bud stage. They become golden brown. The fruit is a follicle with 100 fruit.