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Banksia Rosserae
''Banksia rosserae'' is a recently described species of ''Banksia''. Endemic to inland Western Australia, it is the only ''Banksia'' species to occur solely within the arid zone. Description ''B. rosserae'' grows as a multi-stemmed shrub high, and wide. The trunks are from in diameter. Unusually for ''Banksia'' species, the grey bark is papery and flaky. The leaves are dark green, long and wide, with serrated margins. Flowers are yellow and occur in ''Banksias distinctive flower spikes; these are approximately spherical, with a diameter of about . The "cones" have a hairy appearance due to the retention of old flower parts. They typically contain from twelve to twenty follicles, most of which do not open until stimulated to do so by fire. Taxonomy Taxonomic history Reports of who first discovered ''B. rosserae'' are somewhat contradictory. Peter Olde and Neil Marriott acknowledge Ann Pilkington of Kirkalocka, "who discovered ''Banksia rosserae'' and who drew ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Banksia
''Banksia'' is a genus of around 170 species in the plant family Proteaceae. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes, and fruiting "cones" and heads. ''Banksias'' range in size from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall. They are found in a wide variety of landscapes: sclerophyll forest, (occasionally) rainforest, shrubland, and some more arid landscapes, though not in Australia's deserts. Heavy producers of nectar, ''banksias'' are a vital part of the food chain in the Australian bush. They are an important food source for nectarivorous animals, including birds, bats, rats, possums, stingless bees and a host of invertebrates. Further, they are of economic importance to Australia's nursery and cut flower industries. However, these plants are threatened by a number of processes including land clearing, frequent burning and disease, and a number of species are rare and endangered. ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
