Albany banksia refers to Banksia verticillate, a prostrate shrub native to Western Australia. Here's an overview of this unique species:
🌿 Albany banksia (verticillate) Overview
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Banksia
Common Name: Albany banksia
Habitat: Endemic to southwestern Australia, especially granite outcrops and sandy or lateritic soils.
🌱 Key Characteristics
Growth Form: Low-growing, spreading shrub (prostrate); it typically hugs the ground.
Height/Spread: Usually under 0.5 m tall but spreads 1–2 m wide.
Leaves: Large, silver-grey, oblong leaves with a long petiole (leaf stalk), which gives the species its name (petiolaris).
Flowers:
Bright yellow cylindrical flower spikes.
Bloom mostly in spring and early summer.
Attractive to birds and pollinators.
Fruits: Woody cones with follicles containing seeds; typical of Banksia species.
🌍 Habitat and Ecology
Soil Preference: Well-drained sandy or gravelly soils.
Sunlight: Full sun; does best in open, exposed locations.
Fire Adaptation: Regenerates by seed after fire; does not form a lignotuber (unlike some banksias).
🌺 Gardening & Use
Ornamental Use: Ground cover in native gardens or for erosion control on slopes.
Maintenance: Drought-tolerant once established; minimal watering needed.
Attracts: Birds, bees, and other native pollinators.
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