Coast Banksia, White Honeysuckle Banksia
Banksia integrifolia
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
A medium sized tree. It grows to about 15-25 m tall. It spreads 2-10 m wide. The leaves are dull green above and silvery below. They can be 20 cm long. The young leaves have teeth along the edge while older leaves have smooth edges. The flowers are pale yellow on flower heads up to 15 cm long. Several different varieties of this plant occur. The fruit are silvery-grey cones with seed sacs which stick out the side.
There are about 75 Banksia species. They are mostly in Australia.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate to subtropical plant. It grows along the coast. It grows on sand dunes. It is hardy and resistant to salt spray. It can grow from tropical to temperate climates. It needs moist well drained soil or dry soil. It can tolerate light frosts. It suits hardiness zones 8-11. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
The flowers are soaked in water to make a drink from the nectar.
Edible parts
Flower - nectar
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Selected forms can be grown from stem cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Dhiinaa