Coast banksia (Banksia attenuata, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 10:209. 1810 Feb (Nat. order Proteac.); Prodr. 395. 1810 Apr)

Family: Proteaceae

Author: R.Br.

Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. London 10:209. 1810 Feb (Nat. order Proteac.); Prodr. 395. 1810 Apr

Year: 1810

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Banksia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Western Australia

Description

The Coast banksia, or Banksia attenuata, is a quintessential species native to the southwestern regions of Western Australia. This remarkable plant belongs to the family Proteaceae and was first officially described by the botanist Robert Brown, with its earliest recorded mention found in the “Transactions of the Linnean Society of London” in February 1810, and later in “Prodromus” in April of the same year.

Characteristic of the diverse and ancient flora of Southwestern Australia, Banksia attenuata thrives in a variety of environments, from sandy coastal regions to inland heathlands. The plant’s adaptability is a fascinating aspect of its biology, allowing it to occupy a range of ecological niches. It’s commonly recognized for its aesthetically pleasing and robust inflorescence, which consists of pale-yellow cylindrical flower spikes that are not only visually striking but also function as a vital food source for local wildlife, particularly nectar-feeding birds and insects.

The foliage of the Coast banksia is equally noteworthy, featuring elongated leaves that taper to a fine point. The leaves are typically a vibrant green on the upper surface and lighter underneath, bordered by irregular serrations which augment the plant’s distinctive appearance. These attributes, along with its hardy nature, make Banksia attenuata a popular choice in both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Coast banksia plays a vital ecological role. Its flowers are a significant source of nectar, aiding in the sustenance of numerous pollinators. Furthermore, the plant exhibits remarkable resilience, demonstrating an ability to recover after bushfires — a testament to its evolutionary adaptation to the Australian landscape, where fire plays a key role in the ecosystem.

The blooming period of the Coast banksia extends over several months, often from late autumn to early spring, providing extended resources during times when other floral sources may be scarce. This extended flowering season underscores the importance of Banksia attenuata within its native habitat, offering essential sustenance and continuity in the ecological cycles of southwestern Western Australia.

In summary, Banksia attenuata, or the Coast banksia, is a botanically significant and ecologically valuable member of the Proteaceae family. Its adaptability, resilience, and ornamental beauty, coupled with its crucial role in supporting local wildlife, underscore the plant’s prominence in both natural and cultivated settings. Through centuries of scientific observation and classification, the Coast banksia continues to be a subject of fascination, embodying the rich biological heritage of Australia’s southwest.

Common Names

Eng: coast banksia, slender banksia
En: Coast banksia, Slender banksia

Synonyms

• Sirmuellera attenuata (Kuntze)
• Banksia cylindrostachya (Lindl.)

Distribution

• Western Australia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 4, 2019 by Bren (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5636437)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:703067-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Banksia attenuata R.Br.)

Specifications

Growth