The Banksia genus was identified on the east coast of Australia in 1770, with B. integrifolia subsp. compar first described in 1802. Integrifolia has a Latin reference to the leaf margins being entire, and the sub species compar, meaning ‘similar’, in reference
to the close relationship with B. integrifolia subsp. integrifolia. It can be distinguished by larger, glossier leaves with undulate margins.
Weed Category:
Weed:
No
Form or habit:
Small tree
Family:
Proteaceae
Leaf:
Simple Whorled Narrowly elliptic leaves are around 10-20cm long, dark and shiny green above, and whitish beneath. Leaves are borne in whorls towards the end of the branchlets. Margins are generally entire, although younger leaves may exhibit a toothed appearance.
Flower conspicuous:
Conspicuous
Flower colour:
Yellow, Gold
Flower description:
Upright cones around 20cm in length are densely packed with yellow-golden cylindrical flowers. Main flowering period is around autumn to early winter.
Fruit conspicuous:
Conspicuous
Fruit colour:
Brown
Fruit:
Dry
Fruit description:
Brown, woody follicles with valves 0.9 - 1.3cm across.
Habitat:
Beach scrub, littoral rainforest
Distribution
From Proserpine south to the Blue Mountains in NSW.
Food source for:
Seeds and nectar are sought after by a large range of birds including yellow-tailed black cockatoo, eastern rosella, and grey shrike-thrush.
Toxicity:
No toxicity known
Origin:
Australia
Notes:
Information sources:
Perrin D. (1990) Dictionary of Botanical Names., Society for Growing Australian Plants. Mackay Branch. (1989). One hundred and one trees of Mackay.
