PROTEACEAE

n/a

Small tree or shrub, 3-12 m high, often with drooping branches. Sparse crown of cylindrical leaves (2-9 cm long). Cream, spider-like flowers in spring.

Usually on coarse-textured soils, as individual trees or dense thickets. Very hardy, tolerates moderate frost. Prefers 300 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect easily in winter-spring when seeds are available, retained on plants. Propagate easily from fresh seed, germinates in 3-6 weeks. Direct sow into pots or field. Regenerates mainly from root suckers, especially when protected from grazing.

Provides excellent cover for small native birds. Flowers are a food source for honeyeaters. Timber used for small ornaments due to attractive pattern. Nectar can be sucked from flowers or used for sweet drinks. Attractive woody fruit and flowers when mass-planted, hardy in cultivation.