Grevillea pterosperma

F. Muell.

Desert Grevillea

Proteaceae Edible: Gum, Seeds 106 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Grevillea pterosperma, commonly known as desert grevillea or desert spider-flower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to continental Australia. It is an erect, rounded shrub with linear leaves, sometimes divided with up to six linear lobes, and cylindrical clusters of greyish white and creamy white flowers with a cream-coloured to pale yellow style.

Description

A medium sized shrub. It has a bushy spreading habit. The bark is dark and hard. Young growth is hairy. The leaves are 4-20 cm long by 0.2 cm wide. They are dull green and have lines along them. They are leathery with sharp tips. The flower arrangements are 8-14 cm long. The flowers are cream to white. They have short stalks and are crowded. The fruit is 1.3-1.8 cm long and 0.6-0.8 cm wide.

Edible Uses

The gum and seeds are edible.

Distribution

It grows in inland regions. They are sensitive to waterlogging. They do not grow well in heavy soils. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seed.

Notes

There are 250 Grevillea species.

References (8)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 516
Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 200 (As Grevillea pteridosperma)
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1990, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 5. Lothian. p 97
Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 356
Latz, P.K., 1996, Bushfires and Bushtucker: Aboriginal plant use in Central Australia. IAD Press Alice Springs p 204

Show all 8 references

Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 169
Olde, P & Marriott, N., 1995, The Grevillea Book. Kangaroo Press. Vol 3. p 118
Paczkowska, G . & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Calatogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 487