Old Man Banksia, Saw Leaf Banksia
Banksia serrata
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 6-20 m high. It spreads 4-12 m across. It has a stout grey trunk. It is short and crooked. The bark is thick and wrinkled. The leaves are large. They are 8-15 cm long. They are leathery with a saw toothed edge. The leaves are oblong and the veins are easy to see. The flower spikes are large. They can be 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The flowers are pale yellow. The ripe capsules are hard and woody. They appear as bulges on the side of cones. The seeds are large and winged.
There are about 75 Banksia species. They are mostly in Australia.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. It can tolerate moderate frosts. In Tasmania it grows on infertile soils near Sisters Beach. It suits dried locations. It can grow in coastal regions. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. In Hobart Botanical gardens. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The flowers are soaked in water to make a drink from the nectar. The seeds are removed from heated cones and then cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Nectar, seeds
How it is grown
They can be grown from seed or cuttings. Cuttings of just firm young growth can be used. The seeds are released after fires.
Its other names
Local names
Red honeysuckle, Saw Banksia