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| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Common Name: | Desert Banksia |
| Propagation: | From seed. |
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| Banksia ornata |
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|
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Common Name: | Desert Banksia |
| Propagation: | From seed. |
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Banksia ornata is the symbol of the Australian Plants Society - SA Region. It is one of only two banksias. indigenous to South Australia; the other being Banksia marginata. This plant is a rounded shrub up to 2.5m with cylindrical flower spikes 5 - 14 cm long by 6 - 12 cm wide. The flowers are green-yellow to yellow-bronze and attractive to honey eaters. The pollen is very high in protein, making it a good bee forage plant. B. ornata is moderately frost hardy but prefers well drained, dry, soils similar to those of its native habitats of mallee and desert. The plant is also tolerant of salt and lime. It is suitable for inland and coastal areas as well as the Adelaide plains. The flowers of banksias. are rich in nectar and the spikes can be soaked in water to produce a sweet drink. Pick the flowers early in the morning while they are sticky with nectar. |
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Samantha Lane Last updated: 24/09/98 |
© Copyright The Australian Plants Society - SA Region Inc. |
