Proteaceae

Banksia — named after wife of naturalist Sir Joseph Banks, who collected first Banksia specimens for classification in 1770.

marginata — from Latin marginatus, bordered, referring to leaf margins.

n/a

Compact shrub or small tree, up to 12 m high. Pale yellow, honey-scented flowers, Feb-Jul. Fast-growing and long-lived. Fire retardant.

Tolerates various soils, some waterlogging, frost, and wind. Full sun or partial shade, may grow spindly in shade. Prefers 300 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect early Feb-late Apr, seeds released 3-8 weeks after maturity. Propagate from fresh seed (±125 viable/gram) or cuttings. Stratify seeds in moist paper or sand in the refrigerator for 6-10 weeks before sowing Oct-Feb. Seedlings susceptible to fungal damage. Regenerates after fire from seed or lignotuber re-shooting. Can be direct-sown but establishes better from tubestock.

Medium-level windbreak cover. Produces copious nectar, attracting birds, moths, butterflies, and pygmy possums. Seeds eaten by cockatoos. Not used for fuel. Timber soft, spongy, and red, unsuitable for commercial use. First Nations extracted nectar from flower cones for drinks and used dry cones as strainers. Ornamental specimen for gardens and parks, decorative seed cones, used in bonsai. Leaves produce yellow dye.