Banksia integrifolia
This Australian small to medium size tree is found throughout New Zealand. In Australia it is called the Coast Banksia.
It is classified as a weed in a number of places as it will set seed and grow well in dryer NZ conditions.
However it produces numerous flowers filled with nectar which is enjoyed by many of our New Zealand birds including Tui and Bellbird.
As a tree it grows between 5 and 25 metres high although it can be pruned to keep its height under control. Its rough light grey bark is quite attractive.
Leaves are narrow and oblong from 5-20 cm and 2-4 cm wide. They can be entire or occasionally toothed. The under surface is white being tomentose (covered in white hairs).
Flowers are pale yellow in cylindrical spikes between 5 - 12 cm high and very tight when young and unopened. They open at various stages in the season ensuring a long flowering season in summer, autumn and winter. When fully opened the stamen extend out the side of the cylinder making it more than twice as large. Once finished the silver narrow cones open as windows and let the seed fall.
See photo shoot above.
A great tree and really nice to see the birds frequenting them for food.
Do not let the seedlings grow and cause a problem.
It is classified as a weed in a number of places as it will set seed and grow well in dryer NZ conditions.
However it produces numerous flowers filled with nectar which is enjoyed by many of our New Zealand birds including Tui and Bellbird.
As a tree it grows between 5 and 25 metres high although it can be pruned to keep its height under control. Its rough light grey bark is quite attractive.
Leaves are narrow and oblong from 5-20 cm and 2-4 cm wide. They can be entire or occasionally toothed. The under surface is white being tomentose (covered in white hairs).
Flowers are pale yellow in cylindrical spikes between 5 - 12 cm high and very tight when young and unopened. They open at various stages in the season ensuring a long flowering season in summer, autumn and winter. When fully opened the stamen extend out the side of the cylinder making it more than twice as large. Once finished the silver narrow cones open as windows and let the seed fall.
See photo shoot above.
A great tree and really nice to see the birds frequenting them for food.
Do not let the seedlings grow and cause a problem.