Grevillea juncifolia

Hook.

Desert Grevillea, Honeysuckle Grevillea

Proteaceae Edible: Grub, Flower Nectar, Drink 169 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Grevillea juncifolia, commonly known as honeysuckle grevillea, honey grevillea, honeysuckle spider flower, and many indigenous names, is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to inland Australia. It is a bushy shrub or small tree with erect, linear leaves and clusters of bright yellow to orange flowers.

Description

A medium sized shrub. It grows to 6 m tall. It can have 2 or more main trunks. It is often 3 m high and 3 m wide. The leaves are needle like and simple or divided. They are 27 cm long. The flowers occur in large spikes. They are orange. The fruit are pods which occur in clusters. They are slightly hairy and rounded. They have a small spike. Each pod has 2 seeds. These have papery wings.

Edible Uses

Indigenous Australians use this grevillea for food and medicine.

Traditional Uses

The orange flowers are sucked for nectar. The flowers can be soaked in water to make a drink. It can also be mixed with wattle gum to make a jelly.

Distribution

It grows in warm temperate regions. It suits arid and semiarid places. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It can stand light frost. It grows on sand hills and sandplains. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Seed should be soaked in warm water for 36 hours.

Notes

There are 250 Grevillea species.

Also Known As

Badubiri, Erolunga, Jultukun, Tarrakirra, Ultukunpa, Walunari

References (21)

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Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 650
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1990, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 5. Lothian. p 69

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Latz, P.K., 1996, Bushfires and Bushtucker: Aboriginal plant use in Central Australia. IAD Press Alice Springs p 201
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