Banksia attenuata

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

iCandlestick Banksia
B. attenuata, Margaret River
Conservation status
Secure
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Proteales Family: Proteaceae Genus: Banksia Subgenus: Banksia subg. Banksia Section: Banksia sect. Banksia Series: Banksia ser. Cyrtostylis Species: B. attenuata
Binomial name
Banksia attenuata R. Brown

The Candlestick Banksia (Banksia attenuata) is a species of shrub in the plant genus Banksia. It is a widespread species in the southwest of Western Australia, from north of Kalbarri National Park down to Cape Leeuwin and across to Fitzgerald River National Park.

Contents 1 Description 2 Cultivation 3 Cultural use 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Description

In the north of its range, it is often a stunted shrub 1 to 2 m tall, but is more often a tree to 10 m tall. It regenerates from fire via lignotuber or epicormic buds from its fire-tolerant trunk. it has long narrow serrated leaves up to 270mm long and 150mm wide. New growth is pale grey-green. the brilliant yellow spikes occur from spring into summer and are up 50mm wide and up to 250-300mm high.

[edit] Cultivation

All forms of Banksia attenuata require good drainage, sandy soil and a sunny position to do well. They are sensitive to dieback. A dwarf form is sometimes available in nurseries.

[edit] Cultural use

Aboriginal people placed the flower spike in a paperbark-lined hole filled with water to make a sweet drink. Both this species and Banksia aemula 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.
• George, Alex S. (1999). “Banksia”, Wilson, Annette (ed.): Flora of Australia: Volume 17B: Proteaceae 3: Hakea to Dryandra. CSIRO Publishing / Australian Biological Resources Study, 175–251. ISBN 0-643-06454-0.
• Taylor, Anne, Hooper, Stephen D. (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 attenuata at Flora of Australia Online, Department of the Environment and Heritage, Australia.
• Banksia attenuata at Florabase, Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia.