Albany banksia, Banksia verticillata

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.