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Hairpin Banksia

Banksia spinulosa

Photo by Megs18
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

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.

Habitat:

Southern east coast of Australia. This one was found at the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens in Brisbane so was introduced.

Notes:

The first photo is the "flower" the second photo is the seed cone. The seed cones are used for crafts.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)

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/7725820. Your spotting has long leaves as does B. spinulosa. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/11139414 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.
Photographed
PublishedJune 13, 2012

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