Banksia aemula
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| Wallum Banksia | ||||||||||||||
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 B. aemula, Wybung Head
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| Banksia aemula R. Br. |
Banksia aemula, previously known in New South Wales as Banksia serratifolia, is a lignotuberous shrub closely related to Banksia serrata. In fact it derives its specific name, aemula from the latin for 'similar', due to its similarity to B. serrata. it is found from Bundaberg south down to Sydney on the Australian east coast.
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[edit] Description
It is a lignotuberous shrub found in coastal heath on deep sandy soil, known as Wallum (except in western Sydney, where it is found in the Agnes Banks area 60 km inland from the coast). It is generally a gnarled shrub or small tree to 5 metres though usually smaller. It flowers in autumn, from March to June. It is very similar to Banksia serrata but can be distinguished by:
- trunk often has an orange tinge, as opposed to grey.
- adult leaves are narrower than 2 cm in diameter.
- inflorescences are generally a brighter green-yellow in colour.
- follicles, which can sometimes (but not always) be very large.
[edit] Cultivation
In cultivation, though relatively resistant to dieback, it does require a well drained soil, preferably fairly sandy and a sunny aspect. Summer watering is also helpful. Note that the plant may take several years to flower. It is possibly more finicky than its close relative B. serrata.
[edit] Popular Culture
Both this species and Banksia attenuata have been credited with the inspiration behind May Gibbs' Big Bad Banksia Men.
[edit] References
- George, Alex S. (1981). "The genus Banksia L.f. (Proteaceae)". Nuytsia 3 (3): 239–473. ISSN 0085-4417.
- George, Alex (1999). "Banksia". Flora of Australia 17B: Proteaceae 3: Hakea to Dryandra. Ed. Wilson, Annette. CSIRO Publishing / Australian Biological Resources Study. 175–251. ISBN 0-643-06454-0.
- Taylor, Anne and Stephen Hopper (1988). The Banksia Atlas (Australian Flora and Fauna Series Number 8). Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. ISBN 0-644-07124-9.
[edit] External links
- Banksia aemula R.Br.. Flora of Australia Online. Department of the Environment and Heritage, Australian Government.
- Banksia aemula R.Br.. Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
