Tropical banksia
Origin of name
Family: PROTEACEAE
- Banksia in honour of Joseph Banks
- dentata meaning “toothed“
Occurrence
NOT a local plant. Occurs in moist/seasonally flooded, low areas in open forest and woodland across north Australia.
Prefers full sun/part-shade, and good drainage/watering, but tolerates poor soils, periodic flooding & some drought, once established. Can develop carrot-like stem at base.
Appearance
Gnarled tree to ~6m. Bark rough, dark grey. Leaves dark green above, silvery below, toothed, crowded at branch tips. Dense, cylindrical heads of yellow flowers (sporadic) lead to large, woody cones with embedded seed follicles.
Indigenous use: Flowers sucked/washed for nectar drink; old seed cones used to transport fire. Flowers attract many birds, bees & other insects. Potential use in bonsai.
