Coastal Banksia
Banksia integrifolia subs. compar, Fam. Proteaceae
The Banksia genus was identified on the east coast of Australia in 1770, with B. integrifolia sub. 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 subs. integrifolia. It can be distinguished by larger, glossier leaves with undulate margins.
| Form or habit: | Tree |
| Latex: | 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 |
| 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: | Follicles, woody, 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 well 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 |
| Weed: | No |
| Weed status: | |
| Notes: | |
| Information sources: |
