AgroForestryTree Database
Grevillea banksii
 Species identityEcology and distributionPropagation and managementFunctional usesPests and diseasesAdditional InfoBibliographyImages |
Species identity
TaxonomyBotanic description
Shrub or small, slender tree up to 4-10 m tall, rarely prostrate. Branchlets slightly ridged by decurrent leaf bases, tomentose. "Leaves alternate, pinnatipartite, 6-12-lobed, (8-)14-30 cm long; petiole 3-5 cm long; lobes asymmetrical, broadly linear to lanceolate, glabrous above, ferrugineous-silky beneath." Inflorescence a terminal or axillary (in one of the upper leaves), dense, subcylindrical raceme, 5-10(-21) cm long; peduncle 1-4 cm long, tomentose; rachis villous; pedicel 3-10 mm long, villous; flower red, yellowish or almost white, sometimes greenish or red; perianth suboblong, tube 13-20 mm x 3-4 mm, tomentose outside, glabrous inside, limb obliquely ovate. Fruit an obliquely ovoid follicle with persistent style, 15-24 mm x 9-10 mm x 4-5 mm, coriaceous and dehiscing on one side, 1-2-seeded. Seed 8-11 mm x 3.5-4 mm x 1 mm, narrowly winged, smooth, shiny.
Ecology and distribution
History of cultivationNative to south-eastern Queensland, introduced into Indonesia, Malaysia, Madagascar and South Africa. Naturalized in Madagascar.
Natural Habitat
In Queensland, G. banksii occurs on various soils, but mainly on compact sandy ones in flat areas. It is moderately frost-tolerant.
Native to south-eastern Queensland, introduced into Indonesia, Malaysia, Madagascar and South Africa. Naturalized in Madagascar.
Biophysical limitsAltitude: 250-2000 m altitude.
Reproductive Biology
It flowers year-round in Java and Peninsular Malaysia. If the fruits are not picked timely, they split open and the seed are scattered. Fully viable seed can be obtained from 3-4 years-old trees.
Propagation and management
Functional uses
ProductsFodder: Prunnings provide a promising fodder for goats. Fuel: It is suitable as a fuelwoods.Services
Boundary or barrier or support: Poles and forms effective wind-breaks in regions of high rainfall. Cultivar 'fosteri' is a dense shrub used in fences. Ornamental: It is also grown as an ornamental.
Additional Information
PropertiesPoison: The flowers, fruits and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides.