Family: Proteaceae
Author: L.f.
Bibliography: Suppl. Pl.: 127 (1782)
Year: 1782
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Banksia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Queensland to SE. Australia
Description
As a striking and resilient member of the Proteaceae family, White-honeysuckle, scientifically known as Banksia integrifolia, is an eminent native of southeastern Queensland to southeastern Australia. This fascinating plant, cataloged in the Supplementum Plantarum (Suppl. Pl.: 127, 1782) by the renowned botanist L.f. (Carl Linnaeus the Younger), holds a unique place in the natural landscape and botanical heritage of these regions.
White-honeysuckle exhibits a robust adaptability to a variety of environmental conditions, flourishing in coastal areas where few other large plants can survive the harsh winds and salty sprays. Characterized by its large, cylindrical flower spikes and serrated, dark green leaves, this species can grow both as a sprawling shrub or a sizable tree, reaching heights of up to 25 meters in optimal conditions. The impressive flower spikes, composed of numerous tiny, nectar-filled blossoms, range in color from pale yellow to greenish-cream, and serve as a vital food source for native wildlife, including birds, bats, and insects, thereby playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem.
The bark of the White-honeysuckle is distinctly rough and flaky, a feature that helps the plant withstand bushfires by insulating the vital cambium layer beneath and allowing it to regenerate quickly post-fire. Moreover, the plant’s extensive root system not only anchors it securely against the coastal gales but also facilitates the efficient uptake of nutrients and water from the often impoverished soils it inhabits.
Banksia integrifolia has been a subject of interest not just for its ecological significance but also for its horticultural appeal. Its resilience, combined with its spectacular floral display and foliage, makes it a popular choice for gardens and public landscapes in Australia and beyond. Additionally, the nectar-rich flowers have historical importance, as they have been traditionally used by Indigenous Australians to make a sweet drink.
In studying Banksia integrifolia, botanists and ecologists gain insight into the adaptive strategies of plants in challenging environments and their contributions to biodiversity. This perennial reminder of nature’s resilience and majesty continues to stand as a testament to the enduring beauty and complexity of Australia’s native flora.
Common Names
Eng: white-honeysuckle, coast banksia, honeysuckle-oak, white banksia, white bottlebrush
En: White-honeysuckle, Coast banksia, Honeysuckle-oak, White banksia, White bottlebrush
Synonyms
- Banksia integrifolia var. typica (Domin)
Distribution
- New South Wales (native)
- Queensland (native)
- South Australia (native)
- Victoria (native)
- Azores (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 15, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2022 by peter grouios (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Kozie WithA-K (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Kozie WithA-K (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2021 by Graham Ogle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 17, 2020 by schiocca (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 26, 2020 by Petal Pomer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2019 by Инга (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Carolina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 27, 2020 by Christa Cowell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2020 by Anatoliy Grishin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Felix Stegelin (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 1, 2022 by Danielle Stig (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2022 by Bernard Reynaud (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2022 by Max Toulouse (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Sep 19, 2021 by witt1 (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Michel PANSIOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Lisa Marshall (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Danielle Stig (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Sam Romeyn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 1, 2022 by Danielle Stig (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2021 by Georgia C (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Boris Therock (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.
© 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/7124338)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:703118-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Banksia integrifolia L.f.)