Swamp banksia
Banksia robur, Fam. Proteaceae
Low shrub with several stems arising from the lignotuber, usually not taller than 3m.
| Weed Category: | |
| Weed: | No |
| Form or habit: | Shrub |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Leaf: | Large, obovate, stiff leaves with toothed margins, dense curly white to red hairs on undersurface. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
Yellow, Green |
| Flower description: | Terminal, 10-20 x 8-10cm. The inflorescences proceed through a range of colours with age including iridescent jade when young to golden yellow when mature, Summer to winter. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: |
Brown |
| Fruit: | |
| Fruit description: | Brown, woody follicles with valves 1-3cm across. |
| Habitat: | Coastal dune, woodland. |
| Distribution | Queensland, New South Wales. |
| Food source for: | Nectar eaten by the little and red wattlebirds, little friarbird and the brown, blue faced, Lewin's, New Holland, tawny crowned and white cheeked honeyeaters. Flowers and/or nectar eaten by the swift parrot. Larval food plant of the fiery jewel butterfly. |
| Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
| Origin: | Australia. |
| Notes: | Follicles opened by fire, resprouts readily from lignotuber after fire. Commonly used in horticulture. New growth is a velvety rusty brown. Useful in honey production. |
| Information sources: | Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia. |
