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Project Noah Nature School
Banksia spinulosa
Banksia ericifolia (Heath-leaved Banksia) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful banksias in Australia, with its large striking spikes of yellow to reddish-orange flowers contrasted with small, linear, light-green to greyish-green leaves. Not only is it the most colourful of the eastern Banksia species when in flower, it is also one of the best plants for attracting honey-eating birds and makes an interesting addition to any garden of Australian character.
Southern east coast of Australia. This one was found at the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens in Brisbane so was introduced.
The first photo is the "flower" the second photo is the seed cone. The seed cones are used for crafts.
Spotted on May 7, 2012
Submitted on Jun 13, 2012
3 Comments
Thanks Martini, I spent hours looking this one up and couldn't tell the difference after a while! There are so many. It would fit that it is a hairpin rather than a heath banksia due to the distribution and as you say the leaves. I am just starting out on this and it is great to have help with identification!
Megs, this is a beautiful flower and a beautiful photo. Ericifolia translates as heath-like foliage referring to its short leaves. Here is an example http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/772.... Your spotting has long leaves as does B. spinulosa. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/111... You cannot easily tell the difference in the flowers which are very similar but the leaves differ in length. I think you have a hairpin banksia,.
Gorgeous shots, you can really see the colour variation.