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{{otheruses}}
{{Taxobox
| color=lightgreen
| name=''Banksia''
| image = Banksia prionotes 1 gnangarra.jpg
| image_width = 220px
| image_caption = ''[[Banksia prionotes]]''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Proteales]]
| familia = [[Proteaceae]]
| genus = '''''Banksia'''''
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus the Younger|L.f.]]
| diversity = About 170 species; see [[List of Banksia species|List of ''Banksia'' species]]
| diversity_link = Taxonomy of Banksia
| synonyms = ''Sirmuellera'' <small>[[Otto Kuntze|Kuntze]]</small><br/>''Isostylis'' <small>([[Robert Brown (botanist)|R.Br.]]) Spach</small>
}}
'''''Banksia''''' is a [[genus]] of around 170 [[species]] in the [[plant]] [[family (biology)|family]] [[Proteaceae]]. Iconic [[Australia]]n wildflower and popular [[garden]] [[plant]]s, they are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting "cones" and can vary from prostrate woody [[shrub]]s to trees up to 30 metres tall. They are generally 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 (plant)|nectar]], banksias form a vital part of the food chain in the Australian bush. They are an important food source for all sorts of nectariferous animals, including birds, bats, rats, possums and a host of invertebrates. Furthermore, they are of economic importance to Australia's [[nursery (horticulture)|nursery]] and [[floristry|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 species|rare]] and [[endangered species|endangered]].
==Description==
[[Image:Banksia prionotes 4 gnangarra.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''[[Banksia prionotes]]'' inflorescence, Reabold Hill, Bold Park, [[Floreat]], WA]]
[[Image:B blech twinbud maranoa.jpg|thumb|220px|A prostrate species, ''[[Banksia blechnifolia]]'' with unusual twin buds, [[Maranoa Gardens]], North Balwyn, Victoria]]
''Banksias'' grow as [[tree]]s or woody [[shrubs]]. Trees of the largest species, ''[[Banksia integrifolia|B. integrifolia]]'' (Coast Banksia) and ''[[Banksia seminuda|B. seminuda]]'' (River Banksia), often grow over 15 metres tall, and may be up to 30 metres tall<ref>{{cite journal | author = Liber C | year = 2004 | title = Really Big Banksias | journal = Banksia Study Group Newsletter| volume = 6 | pages = 4-5}}</ref>. ''Banksia'' species that grow as shrubs are usually erect, but there are several species that are prostrate, with branches that grow on or below the soil.
The leaves of ''Banksia'' vary greatly between species. Sizes vary from the narrow, 1–1½ centimetre long leaves of ''[[Banksia ericifolia|B. ericifolia]]'' (Heath-leaved Banksia), to the very large leaves of ''[[Banksia grandis|B. grandis]]'' (Bull Banksia), which may be up to 45 centimetres long. The leaves of most species have serrated edges, but a few, such as ''B. integrifolia'', do not. Leaves are usually arranged along the branches in irregular spirals, but in some species they are crowded together in [[whorl]]s. Many species have differing juvenile and adult leaves (e.g. ''Banksia integrifolia'' has large serrated juvenile leaves).
''Banksia''s are most easily recognised by their characteristic flower spike, known as an [[inflorescence]], and the woody fruiting structures that appear after flowering. The flower spike consists of a central woody axis with a furry coating; it is generally held erect, but hangs down in a few species. This axis is covered in tightly-packed pairs of flowers, which are attached to the axis at right angles. A single flower spike generally contains hundreds, if not thousands of flowers. The most recorded is around 6000 individual flowers on inflorescences of ''B. grandis''.
''Banksia'' flowers are usually a shade of [[yellow]], but [[Orange (colour)|orange]], [[red]] and [[pink]] flowers also occur. The colour of the flowers is determined by the colour of the [[perianth]] parts and often the [[carpel|style]]. The style is much longer than the perianth, and is initially trapped by the upper perianth parts. These are gradually released over a period of days, either from top to bottom or from bottom to top. When the styles and perianth parts are different colours, the visual effect is of a colour change sweeping along the spike. This can be most spectacular in ''[[Banksia prionotes|B. prionotes]]'' (Acorn Banksia) and related species, as the white inflorescence in bud becomes a brilliant orange. In most case, the individual flowers are tall, thin saccate (sack-shaped) in shape.
[[Image:Banksia ericifolia WC multibuds email.jpg|thumb|''[[Banksia ericifolia|B. ericifolia]]'' "White Candles" showing multiple spikes]]
Occasionally, multiple flower spikes can form. This is most often seen in ''[[Banksia marginata]]'' and ''[[Banksia ericifolia|B. ericifolia]]''<ref>{{cite journal |last=Johnson |first=S |year=1992 |title=Multiple Flower Heads |journal=Banksia Study Report |volume=9 |pages=58 |id=ISSN 0728-2893}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Blake |first=T |year=1988 |title=Multiple Heads |journal=Banksia Study Report |volume=8 |pages=2 |id=ISSN 0728-2893}}</ref> ''(pictured right)''.
As the flower spikes age, the flower parts dry up and may turn shades of orange, tan or dark brown colour, before fading to grey over a period of years. In some species, old flower parts are lost, revealing the furry axis; in others, the old flower parts may persist for many years, giving the spikes a hairy appearance. Old flower spikes are commonly referred to as "cones", although they are not: [[Conifer cone|cones]] only occur in [[conifer]]s and [[cycad]]s.
Despite the large size of the flower spike and the huge number of flowers per spike, only a very small number of flowers ever develop fruit, and in some species a flower spike will often set no fruit at all. The fruit of ''Banksia'' is a woody [[Follicle (fruit)|follicle]] embedded in the "cone". These consist of two horizontal valves that tightly enclose the seeds. The follicle opens to release the seed by splitting along the suture, and in some species each valve splits too. In some species the follicles open as soon as the seed is mature, but in most species most follicles open only after stimulated to do so by [[bushfire]]. Each follicle usually contains one or two small seeds, each with a wedge-shaped papery wing that causes it to spin as it falls to the ground.
==Taxonomy==
{{main|Taxonomy of Banksia}}
The ''Banksia'' genus was first described and named by [[Carolus Linnaeus the Younger]] in his April [[1782]] publication ''[[Supplementum Plantarum]]''; hence the [[Binomial nomenclature#Authorship in scientific names|full name]] for the genus is "''Banksia'' L.f." The genus name honours the [[England|English]] [[botanist]] Sir [[Joseph Banks]], who collected the first ''Banksia'' specimens in [[1770]], during [[James Cook]]'s first expedition.
''Banksia'' belongs to the family [[Proteaceae]], subfamily [[Grevilleoideae]], and tribe [[Banksieae]]. ''Banksia'' and the closely related ''[[Dryandra]]'' are placed together in subtribe [[Banksiinae]], mainly because in both genera the flowers occur in condensed heads. Recent research into the relationship between ''Banksia'' and ''Dryandra'' has suggested that ''Dryandra'' should be sunk into ''Banksia''.
The exact number of species of ''Banksia'' is a matter of some contention. The most recent authoritative synopsis, George (1999), listed 76 species. Since then a new species, ''B. rosserae'', has been published,<ref>{{cite journal|author=Olde, Peter M. and Marriott, Neil R.|year=[[2002]]|title=One new ''Banksia'' and two new ''Grevillea'' species (Proteaceae: Grevilleoideae) from Western Australia|journal=Nuytsia|volume=15|issue=1|pages=85–99}}</ref> bringing the number of species to 77. However George (1999) gave subspecific rank to four taxa that had previously been promoted to species by [[Kevin Thiele]] in his 1996 [[cladistics|cladistic]] analysis of the genus. Some Australian [[herbarium|herbaria]] have continued to follow Thiele and Ladiges in ranking these taxa as species, thus recognising 81 species. Furthermore Harden (2002) recognises the species ''B. cunninghamii'' Sieber ex Reichb, even though both George (1999) and Thiele and Ladiges (1996) consider it a subspecies of ''B. spinulosa''. Finally, [[Banksia paludosa|''B. paludosa'' subsp. ''astrolux'']] is under review and is likely to be raised to species level soon.
==Distribution and Habitat==
[[Image:Banksia aus dist map colour gnangarra.png|thumb|280px|Distribution of ''Banksia'' within Australia]]
All but one of the ''Banksia'' species are [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] to Australia. The exception is ''[[Banksia dentata|B. dentata]]'' (Tropical Banksia), which occurs throughout northern Australia, and on islands to the north including [[New Guinea]] and the [[Aru Islands]]. The other species occur in two distinct geographical regions: [[Southwest Australia|southwest]] [[Western Australia]] and eastern Australia. Southwest Western Australia is the main centre of [[biodiversity]]; over three quarters of ''Banksia'' species occur only there, from [[Exmouth, Western Australia|Exmouth]] down to east of [[Esperance, Western Australia|Esperance]]. Eastern Australia has far fewer species, but these include some of best known and most widely distributed species, including ''B. integrifolia'' and ''[[Banksia spinulosa|B. spinulosa]]'' (Hairpin Banksia). Here they occur from the [[Eyre Peninsula]] in South Australia right around the east coast up to [[Cape York]] in [[Queensland]].
The vast majority of ''Banksia'' are found in sandy (or gravelly) soils, though some populations of ''[[Banksia marginata|B. marginata]]'' (Silver Banksia) and ''B. spinulosa'' do occur on heavier, more clay-like, soils. ''B. seminuda'' is exceptional for its preference for rich loams along watercourses. Most occur in [[Heath (habitat)|heathlands]] or low [[woodland]]s, but ''B. seminuda'' and ''B. integrifolia'' both grow in [[forest]]s. Most species do not grow well near the [[coast]], and few species, including [[Banksia rosserae|''B. rosserae'']] and ''[[Banksia elderiana|B. elderiana]]'' (Swordfish Banksia), occur in [[desert|arid]] areas. Most of the eastern Australian species survive in [[upland (geology)|uplands]], but of the Western Australian species only [[Banksia solandri|''B. solandri'']] (Stirling Range Banksia) survives at high altitudes.
Studies of the south-western species have found the distribution of ''Banksia'' species to be primarily constrained by rainfall. With the exception of ''B. rosserae'', no species tolerates annual rainfall of less than 200 millimetres, despite many species surviving in areas that receive less than 400 millimetres. ''Banksia'' species are present throughout the region of suitable rainfall, with greatest speciation in cooler, wetter areas. Hotter, drier regions around the edges of the genus's range tend to have fewer species with larger distributions. The greatest species richness occurs in association with uplands, especially the Stirling Range.<ref name="Lamont 1996">{{cite journal | author = Lamont, Byron B. and S. W. Connell | year = 1996 | title = Biogeography of Banksia in southwestern Australia | journal = Journal of Biogeography | volume = 23 | pages = 295–309}}</ref>
==Ecology==
[[Image:Banksia_integrifolia_with_lorikeet_Waverley_email.jpg|thumb|200px|Rainbow Lorikeet (''[[Trichoglossus haematodus]]'') feasting on ''[[Banksia integrifolia]]'' var. ''integrifolia'', [[Waverley, New South Wales]]]]
{{main|Ecology of Banksia}}
''Banksia''s are heavy producers of [[nectar (plant)|nectar]], and so are important sources of food for nectariferous animals, including [[honeyeaters]] and small mammals such as rodents, antechinus, [[honey possum]]s, [[pygmy possum]]s, gliders and [[bat]]s<ref>
{{cite journal|author=Hackett DJ, Goldingay RL|year=[[2001]]|title=Pollination of Banksia spp. by non-flying mammals in north-eastern New South Wales.|journal=Australian Journal of Botany|volume=49|pages=637–644}}</ref>. Many of these animals play a role in pollination of ''Banksia''. Various studies have shown mammals and birds to be important pollinators.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Wooller SJ, Wooller RD|year=[[2001]]|title=Seed set in two sympatric banksias, ''Banksia attenuata'' and ''B. baxteri''|journal=Australian Journal of Botany|volume=49|pages=597–602}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Wooller SJ, Wooller RD|year=[[2002]]|title=Mixed mating in ''Banksia media''|journal=Australian Journal of Botany|volume=50|pages=627–631}}</ref>
An interesting observation by Carpenter in 1978 was that some banksias had a stronger odour at night possibly to attract mammal pollinators.
Other associated fauna include the [[larva]]e of [[moth]]s (such as the [[Dryandra Moth]]) and [[weevil]]s, which burrow into the "cones" to eat the seeds and [[pupa]]te in the follicles; and [[bird]]s such as [[cockatoo]]s, who break off the "cones" to eat both the seeds and the [[insect]] larvae.
A number of ''Banksia'' species are considered rare or endangered. These include [[Banksia brownii|''B. brownii'']] (Feather-leaved Banksia), [[Banksia cuneata|''B. cuneata'']] (Matchstick Banksia), [[Banksia goodii|''B. goodii'']] (Good's Banksia), [[Banksia oligantha|''B. oligantha'']] (Wagin Banksia), [[Banksia tricuspis|''B. tricuspis'']] (Pine Banksia), and [[Banksia verticillata|''B. verticillata'']] (Granite Banksia).
===Response to fire===
[[Image:Banksia prionotes response to fire Burma Rd email.jpg|left|thumb|200px|''[[Banksia prionotes]]'' seedlings after fire, Burma Road Nature Reserve, WA]]
''Banksia'' plants are naturally adapted to the presence of regular [[bushfire]]s in the Australian landscape. About half of ''Banksia'' species are killed by bushfire, but these regenerate quickly from seed, as fire also stimulates the opening of seed-bearing follicles and the germination of seed in the ground. The remaining species usually survive bushfire, either because they have very thick bark that protects the trunk from fire, or because they have [[lignotuber]]s from which they can resprout after fire. In [[Western Australia]], the first group are known as 'seeders' while the second 'sprouters'.
[[Image:Banksia attenuata response to fire Burma Rd email.jpg|thumb|200px|''[[Banksia attenuata]]'' resprouting after fire, Burma Road Nature Reserve, WA]]
Infrequent bushfires at expected intervals pose no threat, and are in fact beneficial for regeneration of banksia populations. However, too frequent bushfires can seriously reduce or even eliminate populations from certain areas, by killing seedlings and young plants before they reach fruiting age.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Wooller SJ, Wooller RD, Brown KL|year=[[2002]]|title=Regeneration by three species of Banksia on the south coast of Western Australia in relation to fire interval|journal=Australian Journal of Botany|volume=50|pages=311–317}}</ref> Many fires near urban areas are caused by arson, and thus the frequency is often much higher than fires would have been prior to human habitation. Furthermore, residents who live in areas near bushland may pressure local councils to burn areas near homes more frequently, to reduce fuel-load in the bush and thus reduce ferocity of future fires. Unfortunately there are often discrepancies in agreed frequency between these groups and conservation groups.
===Dieback===
Another threat to ''Banksia'' is the [[water mould]] ''[[Phytophthora cinnamomi]]'', commonly known as "dieback". Dieback attacks the roots of plants, destroying the structure of the root tissues, "rotting" the root, and preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients. ''Banksia'''s [[proteoid root]]s, which help it to survive in low-nutrient soils, make it highly susceptible to this [[disease]]. All Western Australian species are vulnerable, although most eastern species are fairly resistant<ref>McCredie TA, Dixon KW, Sivasithamparam K. (1985) Variability in the resistance of ''Banksia'' L.f. species to ''[[Phytophthora cinnamomi]]'' Rands. ''Australian Journal of Botany''. '''33''': 629-637.</ref>.
Vulnerable plants typically die within a few years of infection. In [[southwest Australia|southwest]] Western Australia, where dieback infestation is widespread, infested areas of ''Banksia'' forest typically have less than 30% of the cover of uninfested areas. Plant deaths in such large proportions can have a profound influence on the makeup of plant communities. For example, in southwestern Australia ''Banksia'' often occurs as an understory to forests of [[Jarrah]] (''Eucalyptus marginata''), another species highly vulnerable to dieback. Infestation kills both the Jarrah overstory and the ''Banksia'' understory, and over time these may be replaced by a more open woodland consisting of an overstory of the resistant Marri (''[[Corymbia calophylla]]''), and an understory of the somewhat resistant Parrotbush (''[[Dryandra sessilis]]'').<ref name="Impact of Dieback">{{cite web | title=Impacts in WA | work = Managing Dieback | url=http://www.naturebase.net/content/view/213/548/1/2/|publisher = [[Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia)]] | accessdate=2007-02-21}}</ref>
A number of species of ''Banksia'' are threatened by dieback. Nearly every known wild population of ''B. brownii'' shows some signs of dieback infection, which could possibly wipe it out within years.<ref name="SPRAT brownii">{{SPRAT | id=8277 | name = Banksia brownii}}</ref><ref name="Brown 1998">{{cite book | author = Brown, Andrew, Thomson-Dans, Carolyn, and Marchant, Neville (eds) | year = 1998 | title = Western Australia's Threatened Flora | location = Como, Western Australia | publisher = Department of Conservation and Land Management | id = ISBN 0-7309-6875-8}}</ref>. Other vulnerable species include ''B. cuneata'', and ''B. verticillata''.
Dieback is notoriously difficult to treat, although there has been some success with [[phosphite]] and [[phosphorous acid]], which are currently used to inoculate wild ''B. brownii'' populations. However this is not without potential problems as it alters the soil composition by adding [[phosphorus]]. Some evidence suggests that phosphorous acid may inhibit proteoid root formation<ref name="Murdoch">{{cite web | work = Second International IUFRO meeting | title = Phytophthora in forests and natural ecosystems | url = http://wwwscience.murdoch.edu.au/conf/phytophthora/abstract-wed.html | publisher=[[Murdoch University]] | accessdate=2006-06-26}}</ref>.
Because dieback thrives in moist soil conditions, it can be a severe problem for ''Banksia''s that are watered, such as in the cut flower industry and urban gardens.
==Uses==
[[Image:Banksia media maranoa email.jpg|right|thumb|A dwarf form of ''[[Banksia media|B. media]]'' (Southern Plains Banksia), a popular garden plant, cultivated [[Maranoa Gardens]], Victoria]]
[[Image:Banksia baxteri Stahl email.jpg|right|thumb|''[[Banksia baxteri|B. baxteri]]'' (Birds Nest Banksia), a species used in the cut flower trade, cultivated near [[Colac]], Victoria]]
===In the garden===
''Banksia''s are popular garden plants in Australia because of their large, showy flower heads, and because the large amounts of [[nectar]] they produce attracts [[birds]] and small [[mammal]]s. Popular garden species include ''B. spinulosa'', ''B. ericifolia'', [[Banksia aemula|''B. aemula'']] (Wallum Banksia ), [[Banksia serrata|''B. serrata'']] (Saw Banksia), ''[[Banksia media]]'' (Southern Plains Banksia) and the [[cultivar]] [[Banksia 'Giant Candles'|''Banksia'' 'Giant Candles']]. ''Banksia'' species are primarily propagated by seed in the home garden as cuttings can be difficult to strike. However commercial nurserymen extensively utilize the latter method (indeed, cultivars by nature must be vegetatively propagated by cuttings or grafting).
Over time, dwarf cultivars and prostrate species are becoming more popular as urban gardens grow ever smaller. These include miniature forms under 50cm high of ''B. spinulosa'' and ''B. media'', as well as prostrate species such as ''[[Banksia petiolaris|B. petiolaris]]'' and ''[[Banksia blechnifolia|B. blechnifolia]]'' .
Banksias possibly require more TLC (i.e. maintenance) than other Australian natives, though are fairly hardy if the right conditions are provided (sunny aspect and well drained sandy soil).
They may need extra water during dry spells until established, which can take up to two years. If fertilised, only slow-release, low-[[phosphorus]] [[fertilizer]] should be used, as the proteoid roots may be damaged by high [[nutrient]] levels in the soil. All respond well to some form of pruning.
Within the Australian horticultural community there is an active subculture of ''Banksia'' enthusiasts who seek out interesting flower variants, breed and propagate cultivars, exchange materials and undertake research into cultivation problems and challenges. The main forum for exchange of information within this group is [[ASGAP]]'s ''Banksia Study Group''.
===Cut flower industry===
With the exception of the [[nursery (horticulture)|nursery]] [[industry]], ''Banksia'' have limited commercial use. Some species, principally ''[[Banksia coccinea|B. coccinea]]'' (Scarlet Banksia), ''[[Banksia baxteri|B. baxteri]]'', ''[[Banksia hookeriana|B. hookeriana]]'' (Hooker's Banksia), ''[[Banksia sceptrum|B. sceptrum]])'' (Sceptre Banksia), ''[[Banksia speciosa|B. speciosa]]'' (Showy Banksia) and ''[[Banksia menziesii|B. menziesii]]'' (Menzies' Banksia) are grown on farms in Western and Southern Australia, as well as Israel and Hawaii, and the flower heads harvested for the [[cut flower industry|cut flower trade]]. Their nectar is also sought by [[beekeeper]]s, not for the quality of the [[honey]], which is often poor, but because the trees provide an abundant and reliable source of nectar at times when other sources provide little.
[[Image:Woodworked Banksia grandis email.jpg|left|thumb|120px|Woodworked ''[[Banksia grandis]]'' cone]]
===Woodworking===
''Banksia'' [[wood]] is a red colour with an attractive grain, but it is rarely used as it warps badly on drying. It is occasionally used for ornamental purposes, such as turnery and cabinet panelling, and has also been used to make [[keel]]s for small [[boat]]s. Historically, the wood of certain species such as ''B. serrata' was used for yokes and boat parts.
<ref name = "Salkin79">{{cite book | last = Salkin | first = Abraham Isaac | title = Variation In Banksia in Eastern Australia: An Investigation Using Experimental Methods | publisher = Monash University | date = 1979 | location = Clayton, Victoria | pages = 239 | doi = | id = }}</ref> The large "cones" or seed pods of ''B. grandis'' are used for [[woodturning]] projects. They are also sliced up and sold as drink coasters; these are generally marketed as [[souvenir]]s for international [[tourism|tourists]]. Woodturners throughout the world value Banksia pods for making ornamental objects.[http://www.woodturningdesign.com/onlineproject/banksia_pod_wingedbowl.shtml][http://www.cindydrozda.com/html/Demonstrations.htm][http://lumberjocks.com/projects/640]
===Indigenous uses===
The [[Indigenous Australians|Indigenous]] people of south-western Australia would suck on the flower spikes to obtain the nectar, they also soaked the flower spikes in water to make a sweet drink<ref name="Wheeler 2003">{{cite book|author = Wheeler, Judy | year = 2003 | title = Common Trees of the South-West Forests | publisher = Department of Conservation and Land Management | id = ISBN 0-7309-6961-4 }}</ref>. ''Banksia'' trees are a reliable source of grubs which are extracted as food.
===Musical Instruments===
Banksia is used in musical instrument making, as a top for the acoustic [[Stompbox]] and guitar inlays by Western Australian luthier [[Ellis Guitars]].
==Cultural references==
===Field guides and other technical resources===
A number of field guides and other semi-technical books on the genus have been published. These include:
;Field Guide to Banksias
:Written by Ivan Holliday and Geoffrey Watton and first published in 1975, this book contained descriptions and colour photographs of species known at the time. It was largely outdated by the publication of Alex George's classic 1981 monograph, but a revised and updated second edition was released in 1990.
;The Banksias
:This three volume monograph contains [[watercolour painting]]s of every ''Banksia'' species by renowned [[botanical illustrator]] [[Celia Rosser]], with accompanying text by Alex George. Its publication represents the first time that such a large genus has been entirely painted. Published by Academic Press in association with [[Monash University]], the three volumes were published in 1981, 1988 and 2000 respectively.
;The ''Banksia'' Book
:Begun by Fred Humphries and Charles Gardner, both of whom passed away before its completion, ''The Banksia Book'' was eventually completed by Alex George and first published in 1984. A comprehensive volume containing colour illustrations of every species, it is now in its third edition, published in 1996. This book is sought after by many and becoming hard to find.
;[[The Banksia Atlas|The ''Banksia'' Atlas]]
:In 1983 the [[Australian Biological Resources Study]] (ABRS) decided to pilot an Australia-wide distribution study of a significant plant genus. ''Banksia'' was chosen because it was a high-profile, widely distributed genus that was easily identified, but for which distribution and habitat was poorly known. The study mobilised over 400 volunteers, collecting over 25,000 field observations over a two year period. Outcomes included the discovery of two new species, as well as new varieties and some rare colour variants, and discoveries of previously unknown populations of rare and threatened species. The collated data was used to create ''[[The Banksia Atlas]]'', which was first published in 1988.<ref name="Taylor 1988">{{The Banksia Atlas}}</ref>.
;Banksias, Waratahs and Grevilleas and all other plants in the Australian Proteaceae family
:Written by J. W. Wrigley and M. Fagg, this was published by Collins Publishers in 1989. A comprehensive text on all the Proteaceae genera with good historical notes and an overview of the 1975 Johnson & Briggs classification. It is out of print and hard to find.
===May Gibb's "Banksia men"===
{{Double image stack|right|Banksia seed pod.jpg|Banksia man.png|180px|''B. aemula'' seed pod, [[Australian National Botanic Gardens|ANBG]],<br>[[Canberra]], a possible inspiration<br>for Gibbs|A Banksia man, from [[May Gibbs]]'<br>[[Snugglepot and Cuddlepie]]}}
Perhaps the best known cultural reference to ''Banksia'' is the "big bad Banksia men" of [[May Gibbs]]' children's book [[Snugglepot and Cuddlepie]]. Gibb's "Banksia men" are modelled on the appearance of aged ''Banksia'' "cones", with follicles for eyes and other facial features. There is some contention over which species actually provided the inspiration for the "Banksia men": the drawings most resemble the old cones of ''B. aemula'', but ''[[Banksia attenuata|B. attenuata]]'' (Slender Banksia) has also been cited, as this was the species that Gibbs saw as a child in Western Australia.
===Other cultural references===
In 1989, the [[Banksia Environmental Foundation]] was created to support and recognise people and organizations that make a positive contribution to the environment. The Foundation launched the annual [[Banksia Environmental Awards]] in the same year.<ref name="BEF">{{cite web | url = http://www.banksiafdn.com/index.php?page=4 | title = Introduction and History | work = Banksia Environmental Foundation | accessdate = 2006-07-11}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[Banksiadale]]
==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
== References ==
* {{cite book|author=Boland, D. J. ''et al.''|year=1984|title=Forest Trees of Australia (Fourth edition revised and enlarged)|publisher=CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia|id=ISBN 0-643-05423-5}}.
* {{cite journal|author=[[Alex George|George, A. S.]]|year=[[1981]]|title=The Genus ''Banksia''|journal=Nuytsia|volume=3|issue=3|pages=239–473}}
* {{cite book|author=[[Alex George|George, A. S.]]|year=1999|chapter=Banksia|editor=Wilson, Annette (ed.)|title=Flora of Australia: Volume 17B: Proteaceae 3: Hakea to Dryandra|pages=175–251|publisher=CSIRO Publishing / Australian Biological Resources Study|id=ISBN 0-643-06454-0}}
* {{cite book|author=Harden, Gwen|year=2002|chapter=Banksia|editor=Harden, Gwen (ed)|title=Flora of New South Wales: Volume 2 (Revised Edition)|pages=82–86|publisher=New South Wales University Press, Kensington|id=ISBN 0-86840-156-0}}
* {{The Banksia Atlas}}
* {{cite journal|author=Thiele, Kevin and Ladiges, Pauline Y.|year=[[1996]]|title=A Cladistic Analysis of ''Banksia'' (Proteaceae)|journal=Australian Systematic Botany|volume=9|pages=661–733}}
==External links==
{{commons|Banksia}}
{{wikisourcecat|Banksia}}
{{wikispecies|Banksia}}
*{{Flora of Australia Online|name=''Banksia''|id=3381}}
*{{FloraBase | name = ''Banksia'' L.f. | id = 21316}}
* [http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/banksia.html The Banksia Page] of [[ASGAP]]
* [http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/banksSG/index.html Banksia Study Group] of [[ASGAP]]
[[Category:Banksia]]
{{Taxobox
| color=lightgreen
| name=''Banksia''
| image = Banksia prionotes 1 gnangarra.jpg
| image_width = 220px
| image_caption = ''[[Banksia prionotes]]''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Proteales]]
| familia = [[Proteaceae]]
| genus = '''''Banksia'''''
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus the Younger|L.f.]]
| diversity = About 170 species; see [[List of Banksia species|List of ''Banksia'' species]]
| diversity_link = Taxonomy of Banksia
| synonyms = ''Sirmuellera'' <small>[[Otto Kuntze|Kuntze]]</small><br/>''Isostylis'' <small>([[Robert Brown (botanist)|R.Br.]]) Spach</small>
}}
'''''Banksia''''' is a [[genus]] of around 170 [[species]] in the [[plant]] [[family (biology)|family]] [[Proteaceae]]. Iconic [[Australia]]n wildflower and popular [[garden]] [[plant]]s, they are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting "cones" and can vary from prostrate woody [[shrub]]s to trees up to 30 metres tall. They are generally 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 (plant)|nectar]], banksias form a vital part of the food chain in the Australian bush. They are an important food source for all sorts of nectariferous animals, including birds, bats, rats, possums and a host of invertebrates. Furthermore, they are of economic importance to Australia's [[nursery (horticulture)|nursery]] and [[floristry|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 species|rare]] and [[endangered species|endangered]].
==Description==
[[Image:Banksia prionotes 4 gnangarra.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''[[Banksia prionotes]]'' inflorescence, Reabold Hill, Bold Park, [[Floreat]], WA]]
[[Image:B blech twinbud maranoa.jpg|thumb|220px|A prostrate species, ''[[Banksia blechnifolia]]'' with unusual twin buds, [[Maranoa Gardens]], North Balwyn, Victoria]]
''Banksias'' grow as [[tree]]s or woody [[shrubs]]. Trees of the largest species, ''[[Banksia integrifolia|B. integrifolia]]'' (Coast Banksia) and ''[[Banksia seminuda|B. seminuda]]'' (River Banksia), often grow over 15 metres tall, and may be up to 30 metres tall<ref>{{cite journal | author = Liber C | year = 2004 | title = Really Big Banksias | journal = Banksia Study Group Newsletter| volume = 6 | pages = 4-5}}</ref>. ''Banksia'' species that grow as shrubs are usually erect, but there are several species that are prostrate, with branches that grow on or below the soil.
The leaves of ''Banksia'' vary greatly between species. Sizes vary from the narrow, 1–1½ centimetre long leaves of ''[[Banksia ericifolia|B. ericifolia]]'' (Heath-leaved Banksia), to the very large leaves of ''[[Banksia grandis|B. grandis]]'' (Bull Banksia), which may be up to 45 centimetres long. The leaves of most species have serrated edges, but a few, such as ''B. integrifolia'', do not. Leaves are usually arranged along the branches in irregular spirals, but in some species they are crowded together in [[whorl]]s. Many species have differing juvenile and adult leaves (e.g. ''Banksia integrifolia'' has large serrated juvenile leaves).
''Banksia''s are most easily recognised by their characteristic flower spike, known as an [[inflorescence]], and the woody fruiting structures that appear after flowering. The flower spike consists of a central woody axis with a furry coating; it is generally held erect, but hangs down in a few species. This axis is covered in tightly-packed pairs of flowers, which are attached to the axis at right angles. A single flower spike generally contains hundreds, if not thousands of flowers. The most recorded is around 6000 individual flowers on inflorescences of ''B. grandis''.
''Banksia'' flowers are usually a shade of [[yellow]], but [[Orange (colour)|orange]], [[red]] and [[pink]] flowers also occur. The colour of the flowers is determined by the colour of the [[perianth]] parts and often the [[carpel|style]]. The style is much longer than the perianth, and is initially trapped by the upper perianth parts. These are gradually released over a period of days, either from top to bottom or from bottom to top. When the styles and perianth parts are different colours, the visual effect is of a colour change sweeping along the spike. This can be most spectacular in ''[[Banksia prionotes|B. prionotes]]'' (Acorn Banksia) and related species, as the white inflorescence in bud becomes a brilliant orange. In most case, the individual flowers are tall, thin saccate (sack-shaped) in shape.
[[Image:Banksia ericifolia WC multibuds email.jpg|thumb|''[[Banksia ericifolia|B. ericifolia]]'' "White Candles" showing multiple spikes]]
Occasionally, multiple flower spikes can form. This is most often seen in ''[[Banksia marginata]]'' and ''[[Banksia ericifolia|B. ericifolia]]''<ref>{{cite journal |last=Johnson |first=S |year=1992 |title=Multiple Flower Heads |journal=Banksia Study Report |volume=9 |pages=58 |id=ISSN 0728-2893}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Blake |first=T |year=1988 |title=Multiple Heads |journal=Banksia Study Report |volume=8 |pages=2 |id=ISSN 0728-2893}}</ref> ''(pictured right)''.
As the flower spikes age, the flower parts dry up and may turn shades of orange, tan or dark brown colour, before fading to grey over a period of years. In some species, old flower parts are lost, revealing the furry axis; in others, the old flower parts may persist for many years, giving the spikes a hairy appearance. Old flower spikes are commonly referred to as "cones", although they are not: [[Conifer cone|cones]] only occur in [[conifer]]s and [[cycad]]s.
Despite the large size of the flower spike and the huge number of flowers per spike, only a very small number of flowers ever develop fruit, and in some species a flower spike will often set no fruit at all. The fruit of ''Banksia'' is a woody [[Follicle (fruit)|follicle]] embedded in the "cone". These consist of two horizontal valves that tightly enclose the seeds. The follicle opens to release the seed by splitting along the suture, and in some species each valve splits too. In some species the follicles open as soon as the seed is mature, but in most species most follicles open only after stimulated to do so by [[bushfire]]. Each follicle usually contains one or two small seeds, each with a wedge-shaped papery wing that causes it to spin as it falls to the ground.
==Taxonomy==
{{main|Taxonomy of Banksia}}
The ''Banksia'' genus was first described and named by [[Carolus Linnaeus the Younger]] in his April [[1782]] publication ''[[Supplementum Plantarum]]''; hence the [[Binomial nomenclature#Authorship in scientific names|full name]] for the genus is "''Banksia'' L.f." The genus name honours the [[England|English]] [[botanist]] Sir [[Joseph Banks]], who collected the first ''Banksia'' specimens in [[1770]], during [[James Cook]]'s first expedition.
''Banksia'' belongs to the family [[Proteaceae]], subfamily [[Grevilleoideae]], and tribe [[Banksieae]]. ''Banksia'' and the closely related ''[[Dryandra]]'' are placed together in subtribe [[Banksiinae]], mainly because in both genera the flowers occur in condensed heads. Recent research into the relationship between ''Banksia'' and ''Dryandra'' has suggested that ''Dryandra'' should be sunk into ''Banksia''.
The exact number of species of ''Banksia'' is a matter of some contention. The most recent authoritative synopsis, George (1999), listed 76 species. Since then a new species, ''B. rosserae'', has been published,<ref>{{cite journal|author=Olde, Peter M. and Marriott, Neil R.|year=[[2002]]|title=One new ''Banksia'' and two new ''Grevillea'' species (Proteaceae: Grevilleoideae) from Western Australia|journal=Nuytsia|volume=15|issue=1|pages=85–99}}</ref> bringing the number of species to 77. However George (1999) gave subspecific rank to four taxa that had previously been promoted to species by [[Kevin Thiele]] in his 1996 [[cladistics|cladistic]] analysis of the genus. Some Australian [[herbarium|herbaria]] have continued to follow Thiele and Ladiges in ranking these taxa as species, thus recognising 81 species. Furthermore Harden (2002) recognises the species ''B. cunninghamii'' Sieber ex Reichb, even though both George (1999) and Thiele and Ladiges (1996) consider it a subspecies of ''B. spinulosa''. Finally, [[Banksia paludosa|''B. paludosa'' subsp. ''astrolux'']] is under review and is likely to be raised to species level soon.
==Distribution and Habitat==
[[Image:Banksia aus dist map colour gnangarra.png|thumb|280px|Distribution of ''Banksia'' within Australia]]
All but one of the ''Banksia'' species are [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] to Australia. The exception is ''[[Banksia dentata|B. dentata]]'' (Tropical Banksia), which occurs throughout northern Australia, and on islands to the north including [[New Guinea]] and the [[Aru Islands]]. The other species occur in two distinct geographical regions: [[Southwest Australia|southwest]] [[Western Australia]] and eastern Australia. Southwest Western Australia is the main centre of [[biodiversity]]; over three quarters of ''Banksia'' species occur only there, from [[Exmouth, Western Australia|Exmouth]] down to east of [[Esperance, Western Australia|Esperance]]. Eastern Australia has far fewer species, but these include some of best known and most widely distributed species, including ''B. integrifolia'' and ''[[Banksia spinulosa|B. spinulosa]]'' (Hairpin Banksia). Here they occur from the [[Eyre Peninsula]] in South Australia right around the east coast up to [[Cape York]] in [[Queensland]].
The vast majority of ''Banksia'' are found in sandy (or gravelly) soils, though some populations of ''[[Banksia marginata|B. marginata]]'' (Silver Banksia) and ''B. spinulosa'' do occur on heavier, more clay-like, soils. ''B. seminuda'' is exceptional for its preference for rich loams along watercourses. Most occur in [[Heath (habitat)|heathlands]] or low [[woodland]]s, but ''B. seminuda'' and ''B. integrifolia'' both grow in [[forest]]s. Most species do not grow well near the [[coast]], and few species, including [[Banksia rosserae|''B. rosserae'']] and ''[[Banksia elderiana|B. elderiana]]'' (Swordfish Banksia), occur in [[desert|arid]] areas. Most of the eastern Australian species survive in [[upland (geology)|uplands]], but of the Western Australian species only [[Banksia solandri|''B. solandri'']] (Stirling Range Banksia) survives at high altitudes.
Studies of the south-western species have found the distribution of ''Banksia'' species to be primarily constrained by rainfall. With the exception of ''B. rosserae'', no species tolerates annual rainfall of less than 200 millimetres, despite many species surviving in areas that receive less than 400 millimetres. ''Banksia'' species are present throughout the region of suitable rainfall, with greatest speciation in cooler, wetter areas. Hotter, drier regions around the edges of the genus's range tend to have fewer species with larger distributions. The greatest species richness occurs in association with uplands, especially the Stirling Range.<ref name="Lamont 1996">{{cite journal | author = Lamont, Byron B. and S. W. Connell | year = 1996 | title = Biogeography of Banksia in southwestern Australia | journal = Journal of Biogeography | volume = 23 | pages = 295–309}}</ref>
==Ecology==
[[Image:Banksia_integrifolia_with_lorikeet_Waverley_email.jpg|thumb|200px|Rainbow Lorikeet (''[[Trichoglossus haematodus]]'') feasting on ''[[Banksia integrifolia]]'' var. ''integrifolia'', [[Waverley, New South Wales]]]]
{{main|Ecology of Banksia}}
''Banksia''s are heavy producers of [[nectar (plant)|nectar]], and so are important sources of food for nectariferous animals, including [[honeyeaters]] and small mammals such as rodents, antechinus, [[honey possum]]s, [[pygmy possum]]s, gliders and [[bat]]s<ref>
{{cite journal|author=Hackett DJ, Goldingay RL|year=[[2001]]|title=Pollination of Banksia spp. by non-flying mammals in north-eastern New South Wales.|journal=Australian Journal of Botany|volume=49|pages=637–644}}</ref>. Many of these animals play a role in pollination of ''Banksia''. Various studies have shown mammals and birds to be important pollinators.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Wooller SJ, Wooller RD|year=[[2001]]|title=Seed set in two sympatric banksias, ''Banksia attenuata'' and ''B. baxteri''|journal=Australian Journal of Botany|volume=49|pages=597–602}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Wooller SJ, Wooller RD|year=[[2002]]|title=Mixed mating in ''Banksia media''|journal=Australian Journal of Botany|volume=50|pages=627–631}}</ref>
An interesting observation by Carpenter in 1978 was that some banksias had a stronger odour at night possibly to attract mammal pollinators.
Other associated fauna include the [[larva]]e of [[moth]]s (such as the [[Dryandra Moth]]) and [[weevil]]s, which burrow into the "cones" to eat the seeds and [[pupa]]te in the follicles; and [[bird]]s such as [[cockatoo]]s, who break off the "cones" to eat both the seeds and the [[insect]] larvae.
A number of ''Banksia'' species are considered rare or endangered. These include [[Banksia brownii|''B. brownii'']] (Feather-leaved Banksia), [[Banksia cuneata|''B. cuneata'']] (Matchstick Banksia), [[Banksia goodii|''B. goodii'']] (Good's Banksia), [[Banksia oligantha|''B. oligantha'']] (Wagin Banksia), [[Banksia tricuspis|''B. tricuspis'']] (Pine Banksia), and [[Banksia verticillata|''B. verticillata'']] (Granite Banksia).
===Response to fire===
[[Image:Banksia prionotes response to fire Burma Rd email.jpg|left|thumb|200px|''[[Banksia prionotes]]'' seedlings after fire, Burma Road Nature Reserve, WA]]
''Banksia'' plants are naturally adapted to the presence of regular [[bushfire]]s in the Australian landscape. About half of ''Banksia'' species are killed by bushfire, but these regenerate quickly from seed, as fire also stimulates the opening of seed-bearing follicles and the germination of seed in the ground. The remaining species usually survive bushfire, either because they have very thick bark that protects the trunk from fire, or because they have [[lignotuber]]s from which they can resprout after fire. In [[Western Australia]], the first group are known as 'seeders' while the second 'sprouters'.
[[Image:Banksia attenuata response to fire Burma Rd email.jpg|thumb|200px|''[[Banksia attenuata]]'' resprouting after fire, Burma Road Nature Reserve, WA]]
Infrequent bushfires at expected intervals pose no threat, and are in fact beneficial for regeneration of banksia populations. However, too frequent bushfires can seriously reduce or even eliminate populations from certain areas, by killing seedlings and young plants before they reach fruiting age.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Wooller SJ, Wooller RD, Brown KL|year=[[2002]]|title=Regeneration by three species of Banksia on the south coast of Western Australia in relation to fire interval|journal=Australian Journal of Botany|volume=50|pages=311–317}}</ref> Many fires near urban areas are caused by arson, and thus the frequency is often much higher than fires would have been prior to human habitation. Furthermore, residents who live in areas near bushland may pressure local councils to burn areas near homes more frequently, to reduce fuel-load in the bush and thus reduce ferocity of future fires. Unfortunately there are often discrepancies in agreed frequency between these groups and conservation groups.
===Dieback===
Another threat to ''Banksia'' is the [[water mould]] ''[[Phytophthora cinnamomi]]'', commonly known as "dieback". Dieback attacks the roots of plants, destroying the structure of the root tissues, "rotting" the root, and preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients. ''Banksia'''s [[proteoid root]]s, which help it to survive in low-nutrient soils, make it highly susceptible to this [[disease]]. All Western Australian species are vulnerable, although most eastern species are fairly resistant<ref>McCredie TA, Dixon KW, Sivasithamparam K. (1985) Variability in the resistance of ''Banksia'' L.f. species to ''[[Phytophthora cinnamomi]]'' Rands. ''Australian Journal of Botany''. '''33''': 629-637.</ref>.
Vulnerable plants typically die within a few years of infection. In [[southwest Australia|southwest]] Western Australia, where dieback infestation is widespread, infested areas of ''Banksia'' forest typically have less than 30% of the cover of uninfested areas. Plant deaths in such large proportions can have a profound influence on the makeup of plant communities. For example, in southwestern Australia ''Banksia'' often occurs as an understory to forests of [[Jarrah]] (''Eucalyptus marginata''), another species highly vulnerable to dieback. Infestation kills both the Jarrah overstory and the ''Banksia'' understory, and over time these may be replaced by a more open woodland consisting of an overstory of the resistant Marri (''[[Corymbia calophylla]]''), and an understory of the somewhat resistant Parrotbush (''[[Dryandra sessilis]]'').<ref name="Impact of Dieback">{{cite web | title=Impacts in WA | work = Managing Dieback | url=http://www.naturebase.net/content/view/213/548/1/2/|publisher = [[Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia)]] | accessdate=2007-02-21}}</ref>
A number of species of ''Banksia'' are threatened by dieback. Nearly every known wild population of ''B. brownii'' shows some signs of dieback infection, which could possibly wipe it out within years.<ref name="SPRAT brownii">{{SPRAT | id=8277 | name = Banksia brownii}}</ref><ref name="Brown 1998">{{cite book | author = Brown, Andrew, Thomson-Dans, Carolyn, and Marchant, Neville (eds) | year = 1998 | title = Western Australia's Threatened Flora | location = Como, Western Australia | publisher = Department of Conservation and Land Management | id = ISBN 0-7309-6875-8}}</ref>. Other vulnerable species include ''B. cuneata'', and ''B. verticillata''.
Dieback is notoriously difficult to treat, although there has been some success with [[phosphite]] and [[phosphorous acid]], which are currently used to inoculate wild ''B. brownii'' populations. However this is not without potential problems as it alters the soil composition by adding [[phosphorus]]. Some evidence suggests that phosphorous acid may inhibit proteoid root formation<ref name="Murdoch">{{cite web | work = Second International IUFRO meeting | title = Phytophthora in forests and natural ecosystems | url = http://wwwscience.murdoch.edu.au/conf/phytophthora/abstract-wed.html | publisher=[[Murdoch University]] | accessdate=2006-06-26}}</ref>.
Because dieback thrives in moist soil conditions, it can be a severe problem for ''Banksia''s that are watered, such as in the cut flower industry and urban gardens.
==Uses==
[[Image:Banksia media maranoa email.jpg|right|thumb|A dwarf form of ''[[Banksia media|B. media]]'' (Southern Plains Banksia), a popular garden plant, cultivated [[Maranoa Gardens]], Victoria]]
[[Image:Banksia baxteri Stahl email.jpg|right|thumb|''[[Banksia baxteri|B. baxteri]]'' (Birds Nest Banksia), a species used in the cut flower trade, cultivated near [[Colac]], Victoria]]
===In the garden===
''Banksia''s are popular garden plants in Australia because of their large, showy flower heads, and because the large amounts of [[nectar]] they produce attracts [[birds]] and small [[mammal]]s. Popular garden species include ''B. spinulosa'', ''B. ericifolia'', [[Banksia aemula|''B. aemula'']] (Wallum Banksia ), [[Banksia serrata|''B. serrata'']] (Saw Banksia), ''[[Banksia media]]'' (Southern Plains Banksia) and the [[cultivar]] [[Banksia 'Giant Candles'|''Banksia'' 'Giant Candles']]. ''Banksia'' species are primarily propagated by seed in the home garden as cuttings can be difficult to strike. However commercial nurserymen extensively utilize the latter method (indeed, cultivars by nature must be vegetatively propagated by cuttings or grafting).
Over time, dwarf cultivars and prostrate species are becoming more popular as urban gardens grow ever smaller. These include miniature forms under 50cm high of ''B. spinulosa'' and ''B. media'', as well as prostrate species such as ''[[Banksia petiolaris|B. petiolaris]]'' and ''[[Banksia blechnifolia|B. blechnifolia]]'' .
Banksias possibly require more TLC (i.e. maintenance) than other Australian natives, though are fairly hardy if the right conditions are provided (sunny aspect and well drained sandy soil).
They may need extra water during dry spells until established, which can take up to two years. If fertilised, only slow-release, low-[[phosphorus]] [[fertilizer]] should be used, as the proteoid roots may be damaged by high [[nutrient]] levels in the soil. All respond well to some form of pruning.
Within the Australian horticultural community there is an active subculture of ''Banksia'' enthusiasts who seek out interesting flower variants, breed and propagate cultivars, exchange materials and undertake research into cultivation problems and challenges. The main forum for exchange of information within this group is [[ASGAP]]'s ''Banksia Study Group''.
===Cut flower industry===
With the exception of the [[nursery (horticulture)|nursery]] [[industry]], ''Banksia'' have limited commercial use. Some species, principally ''[[Banksia coccinea|B. coccinea]]'' (Scarlet Banksia), ''[[Banksia baxteri|B. baxteri]]'', ''[[Banksia hookeriana|B. hookeriana]]'' (Hooker's Banksia), ''[[Banksia sceptrum|B. sceptrum]])'' (Sceptre Banksia), ''[[Banksia speciosa|B. speciosa]]'' (Showy Banksia) and ''[[Banksia menziesii|B. menziesii]]'' (Menzies' Banksia) are grown on farms in Western and Southern Australia, as well as Israel and Hawaii, and the flower heads harvested for the [[cut flower industry|cut flower trade]]. Their nectar is also sought by [[beekeeper]]s, not for the quality of the [[honey]], which is often poor, but because the trees provide an abundant and reliable source of nectar at times when other sources provide little.
[[Image:Woodworked Banksia grandis email.jpg|left|thumb|120px|Woodworked ''[[Banksia grandis]]'' cone]]
===Woodworking===
''Banksia'' [[wood]] is a red colour with an attractive grain, but it is rarely used as it warps badly on drying. It is occasionally used for ornamental purposes, such as turnery and cabinet panelling, and has also been used to make [[keel]]s for small [[boat]]s. Historically, the wood of certain species such as ''B. serrata' was used for yokes and boat parts.
<ref name = "Salkin79">{{cite book | last = Salkin | first = Abraham Isaac | title = Variation In Banksia in Eastern Australia: An Investigation Using Experimental Methods | publisher = Monash University | date = 1979 | location = Clayton, Victoria | pages = 239 | doi = | id = }}</ref> The large "cones" or seed pods of ''B. grandis'' are used for [[woodturning]] projects. They are also sliced up and sold as drink coasters; these are generally marketed as [[souvenir]]s for international [[tourism|tourists]]. Woodturners throughout the world value Banksia pods for making ornamental objects.[http://www.woodturningdesign.com/onlineproject/banksia_pod_wingedbowl.shtml][http://www.cindydrozda.com/html/Demonstrations.htm][http://lumberjocks.com/projects/640]
===Indigenous uses===
The [[Indigenous Australians|Indigenous]] people of south-western Australia would suck on the flower spikes to obtain the nectar, they also soaked the flower spikes in water to make a sweet drink<ref name="Wheeler 2003">{{cite book|author = Wheeler, Judy | year = 2003 | title = Common Trees of the South-West Forests | publisher = Department of Conservation and Land Management | id = ISBN 0-7309-6961-4 }}</ref>. ''Banksia'' trees are a reliable source of grubs which are extracted as food.
===Musical Instruments===
Banksia is used in musical instrument making, as a top for the acoustic [[Stompbox]] and guitar inlays by Western Australian luthier [[Ellis Guitars]].
==Cultural references==
===Field guides and other technical resources===
A number of field guides and other semi-technical books on the genus have been published. These include:
;Field Guide to Banksias
:Written by Ivan Holliday and Geoffrey Watton and first published in 1975, this book contained descriptions and colour photographs of species known at the time. It was largely outdated by the publication of Alex George's classic 1981 monograph, but a revised and updated second edition was released in 1990.
;The Banksias
:This three volume monograph contains [[watercolour painting]]s of every ''Banksia'' species by renowned [[botanical illustrator]] [[Celia Rosser]], with accompanying text by Alex George. Its publication represents the first time that such a large genus has been entirely painted. Published by Academic Press in association with [[Monash University]], the three volumes were published in 1981, 1988 and 2000 respectively.
;The ''Banksia'' Book
:Begun by Fred Humphries and Charles Gardner, both of whom passed away before its completion, ''The Banksia Book'' was eventually completed by Alex George and first published in 1984. A comprehensive volume containing colour illustrations of every species, it is now in its third edition, published in 1996. This book is sought after by many and becoming hard to find.
;[[The Banksia Atlas|The ''Banksia'' Atlas]]
:In 1983 the [[Australian Biological Resources Study]] (ABRS) decided to pilot an Australia-wide distribution study of a significant plant genus. ''Banksia'' was chosen because it was a high-profile, widely distributed genus that was easily identified, but for which distribution and habitat was poorly known. The study mobilised over 400 volunteers, collecting over 25,000 field observations over a two year period. Outcomes included the discovery of two new species, as well as new varieties and some rare colour variants, and discoveries of previously unknown populations of rare and threatened species. The collated data was used to create ''[[The Banksia Atlas]]'', which was first published in 1988.<ref name="Taylor 1988">{{The Banksia Atlas}}</ref>.
;Banksias, Waratahs and Grevilleas and all other plants in the Australian Proteaceae family
:Written by J. W. Wrigley and M. Fagg, this was published by Collins Publishers in 1989. A comprehensive text on all the Proteaceae genera with good historical notes and an overview of the 1975 Johnson & Briggs classification. It is out of print and hard to find.
===May Gibb's "Banksia men"===
{{Double image stack|right|Banksia seed pod.jpg|Banksia man.png|180px|''B. aemula'' seed pod, [[Australian National Botanic Gardens|ANBG]],<br>[[Canberra]], a possible inspiration<br>for Gibbs|A Banksia man, from [[May Gibbs]]'<br>[[Snugglepot and Cuddlepie]]}}
Perhaps the best known cultural reference to ''Banksia'' is the "big bad Banksia men" of [[May Gibbs]]' children's book [[Snugglepot and Cuddlepie]]. Gibb's "Banksia men" are modelled on the appearance of aged ''Banksia'' "cones", with follicles for eyes and other facial features. There is some contention over which species actually provided the inspiration for the "Banksia men": the drawings most resemble the old cones of ''B. aemula'', but ''[[Banksia attenuata|B. attenuata]]'' (Slender Banksia) has also been cited, as this was the species that Gibbs saw as a child in Western Australia.
===Other cultural references===
In 1989, the [[Banksia Environmental Foundation]] was created to support and recognise people and organizations that make a positive contribution to the environment. The Foundation launched the annual [[Banksia Environmental Awards]] in the same year.<ref name="BEF">{{cite web | url = http://www.banksiafdn.com/index.php?page=4 | title = Introduction and History | work = Banksia Environmental Foundation | accessdate = 2006-07-11}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[Banksiadale]]
==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
== References ==
* {{cite book|author=Boland, D. J. ''et al.''|year=1984|title=Forest Trees of Australia (Fourth edition revised and enlarged)|publisher=CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia|id=ISBN 0-643-05423-5}}.
* {{cite journal|author=[[Alex George|George, A. S.]]|year=[[1981]]|title=The Genus ''Banksia''|journal=Nuytsia|volume=3|issue=3|pages=239–473}}
* {{cite book|author=[[Alex George|George, A. S.]]|year=1999|chapter=Banksia|editor=Wilson, Annette (ed.)|title=Flora of Australia: Volume 17B: Proteaceae 3: Hakea to Dryandra|pages=175–251|publisher=CSIRO Publishing / Australian Biological Resources Study|id=ISBN 0-643-06454-0}}
* {{cite book|author=Harden, Gwen|year=2002|chapter=Banksia|editor=Harden, Gwen (ed)|title=Flora of New South Wales: Volume 2 (Revised Edition)|pages=82–86|publisher=New South Wales University Press, Kensington|id=ISBN 0-86840-156-0}}
* {{The Banksia Atlas}}
* {{cite journal|author=Thiele, Kevin and Ladiges, Pauline Y.|year=[[1996]]|title=A Cladistic Analysis of ''Banksia'' (Proteaceae)|journal=Australian Systematic Botany|volume=9|pages=661–733}}
==External links==
{{commons|Banksia}}
{{wikisourcecat|Banksia}}
{{wikispecies|Banksia}}
*{{Flora of Australia Online|name=''Banksia''|id=3381}}
*{{FloraBase | name = ''Banksia'' L.f. | id = 21316}}
* [http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/banksia.html The Banksia Page] of [[ASGAP]]
* [http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/banksSG/index.html Banksia Study Group] of [[ASGAP]]
[[Category:Banksia]]