Grevillea kennedyana

Grevillea kennedyana, also known as flame spider-flower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to a restricted area of inland eastern Australia. It is an erect shrub with many branches, usually linear leaves and erect clusters of rich red flowers.

Description

A small shrub. It has a sprawling habit. It grows 0.5-1.5 m high and 1-2 m wide. The branches are often tangled. The leaves are 0.5-3 cm long by 0.1-0.2 cm wide. The are thin, rigid and dark green. The edges curl back. The tip is sharp. The flowers are bright red. The fruit are 1.2-1.7 cm long by 0.7 cm wide. They are narrowly oval and pointed. The seeds are thin and grey.

Edible Uses

Most Grevillea species contain a honey-like liquid that is edible to humans. G. kennedyana contains a large amount of a clear, sweet liquid, which can be shaken from the flowers. However, due to the large volume of liquid it makes the flower difficult to preserve.

Traditional Uses

The nectar is shaken from the flowers.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It grows on rocky slopes among other shrubs. It suits arid and semiarid regions. The need a warm sunny position.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. They also often arise from the woody tuber or suckers. This also occurs after fire.

Notes

There are 250 Grevillea species. It is a rare plant.

References (4)

• Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1990, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 5. Lothian. p 70
• Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 115
• Maiden, JH, 1889, The Useful Native Plants of Australia. Compendium. Melbourne. Reprinted 1975.
• Olde, P & Marriott, N., 1995, The Grevillea Book. Kangaroo Press. Vol 2. p 224

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