Silver Banksia
Banksia marginata
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
A dense bushy shrub or small tree. It can grow 1-9 m high. The bark is smooth and greyish brown. The leaves are 3-10 cm long and narrow. They are oblong and silvery underneath. The edges of the leaves can have teeth on younger leaves. The edges of older leaves can be rolled under. The flowers are small. They are yellow. They are crowded into dense spikes 10 cm long and 4 cm across. Cones turn grey with age. The fertile sections form hard brown bulges on the side of cones. The seeds have wings.
There are about 75 Banksia species. They are mostly in Australia.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. It grows in heath and light forests. It can tolerate frosts. It is resistant to salt spray. It needs good drainage. It can tolerate some shade. Hobart Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. 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 nectar is sucked from the flowers. It can be washed out into water and used to make a drink.
Edible parts
Nectar
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Cuttings also strike readily. The seed capsules open after fire.
Its other names
Local names
Berre, Honey suckle