image Karlo Taliana from Australian Plants Society NSW
KINGDOM: Plantae
ORDER: Proteales
FAMILY: Proteaceae
TRIBE: Bansieae
GENUS: Banksia
The Proteaceae family has around 170 species and Banksia is one of those. These Australian natives are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting ‘cones’. They range in size from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 metres tall.
Banksias are heavy producers of nectar so are a vital part of the food chain for nectarivorous animals including birds, bats, rats, possums, singless bees and a host of invertebrates.
Banksias make an excellent cut flower so are very popular in the florist, nursery and overseas cut flower industries.
See this link for a wonderful article on Banksias with the most beautiful images, predominantly taken by Karlo Taliana from Australian Plants Society NSW.
