Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

Red silky oak

(Grevillea banksii)

galery
en

Description

Grevillea banksii, commonly known as the Red silky oak or Banks' Grevillea, is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae. It is a native plant of eastern Australia, and can be found from southern Queensland to northern New South Wales. Appearance: Grevillea banksii is a medium-sized shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 meters tall. Its leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and up to 15 centimeters long. The leaves are dark green on the upper surface and silvery-gray on the lower surface due to fine hairs. The plant produces large clusters of red flowers that bloom in the late winter and spring months. Taxonomy: The species was first described by Robert Brown in 1810 and was named after Sir Joseph Banks, an English naturalist who accompanied James Cook on his first voyage to Australia. There are two subspecies of Grevillea banksii, G. banksii subspecies banksii and G. banksii subspecies macropetala. Distribution and Habitat: Grevillea banksii is native to eastern Australia, where it can be found from southern Queensland to northern New South Wales. The plant is commonly found in open forests and woodlands on sandstone soils, but can also be found in heathlands and on rocky ridges. Ecology: Grevillea banksii is an important plant for native bird species as it provides nectar for honeyeaters and lorikeets. The plant is also an important habitat for the endangered Glossy Black-Cockatoo, which feeds on the seeds of the plant. Grevillea banksii has been shown to have allelopathic effects, meaning it can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plant species in its vicinity. Cultivation: Grevillea banksii is a popular ornamental plant in Australia and is grown in gardens and parks for its attractive foliage and showy flowers. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Uses: Grevillea banksii has traditional medicinal uses among Aboriginal peoples of Australia. The bark of the plant was used to make a decoction that was taken internally to treat stomach pains, while the sap was used to treat skin irritations. The plant is also used in the horticulture industry as a rootstock for grafting other Grevillea species. In conclusion, Grevillea banksii is a versatile and important plant in eastern Australia. Its attractive foliage and showy flowers make it a popular ornamental plant, while its importance as a habitat for native bird species and allelopathic effects make it an important ecological species. Its traditional medicinal uses and use in the horticulture industry further highlight its versatility and importance in Australian culture.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order:Proteales
Family:Proteaceae
Genus:Grevillea
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