Banksia marginata
| Banksia marginata | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Height: | 30' |
| Blooms: | Late Summer-Early Winter |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Banksia marginata (common name: silver banksia)
Propagation: Seed - surface sow in an ericaceous compost as soon as the seed is ripe or as soon as it is obtained and do not exclude light. Seal the pot in a plastic bag until germination takes place, which can take 1 - 3 months or more at 20°c[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in sand in a frame[2].
Cultivation: Requires a well-drained lime-free soil and a sunny position[3][2]. Thrives in acid sandy loams[4][2]. Prefers a pH between 6.3 and 6.5[2]. Plants are tolerant of damp soils and sea winds[5]. If this species is to be successfully cultivated, the soil should be low in nutrients, especially in nitrates and phosphates[2].
This species is not very cold-hardy, possibly tolerating temperatures down to around -5°c[5]. Plants require greenhouse protection in most parts of Britain[3] but high-altitude forms could succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country[2].
This species hybridizes in the wild with B. integrifolia and B. conferta penicillata[2].
Range: Australia - New South Wales, S. Queensland, Victoria.
Habitat: Usually found in sclerophyll forest from the coast to mountainous areas[5].
Edibility: The flowers are filled with a sweet nectar which can be sucked directly or washed out with water to make a refreshing beverage[7][8].
Usage: The bark contains 10% tannin.
This species has been used as a rootstock for propagating other members of the genus.
Wood - soft, easily worked, pinkish with a prominent grain. It is highly decorative but the plants tend to be gnarled and irregular thus limiting its use. Used for veneers, furniture etc.
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates strong winds
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan, 1988.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Holliday, Ivan and Ron Hill. A Field Guide to Australian Trees. Frederick Muller, 1974.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ Ewart, Alfred. Recording Census of the Victorian Flora. 1923.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Low, Tim. Wild Food Plants of Australia. Angus and Robertson, 1989.