Banksia is the name of about 70 kinds of plants that grow in Australia and New Guinea. Banksias range from small trees with gnarled trunks to bushy shrubs. The plant is named after the English naturalist Sir Joseph Banks.
Unlike most flowers, only a small proportion of banksia flowers ever develop into seeds. The woody, nutlike seed pods often remain unopened for many years, until they are triggered to open by the heat of bushfires. Some banksias are pollinated by honey possums. These small marsupials climb over the large flower heads to feed on the nectar and pollen.
Southwestern Australia has the largest number of banksia species. They include the southern plains banksia, which has yellowish-green cylindrical flower heads; and the scarlet banksia, with its brilliantly colored flowers. Both these species grow on heaths and in open wooded areas.
