Scientific Name: Banksia Integrifolia
Common Name: Coastal Banksia
Nunukul Name: Tchoomeroo (Rahnsleben)
Indigenous Use
Nectar sucked or blossoms soaked in water.
When to Use
Banksia integrifolia typically flowers from late summer to winter, with the peak flowering period occurring from February to August. During this time, the tree produces its distinctive cylindrical flower spikes, which attract a variety of pollinators, including birds, bees, and other insects (Australian Native Plants Society, 2024; Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Identification
Leaves: The leaves of Banksia integrifolia are elongated, narrow, and typically measure 5-15 cm in length. They have a distinctive dark green upper surface and a silvery underside with prominent veins. The edges of the leaves are often serrated, particularly in younger leaves (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Atlas of Living Australia, 2023).
Bark: The bark is grey, rough, and deeply fissured, providing a textured appearance. This rugged bark helps the tree withstand coastal conditions and provides habitat for various small organisms (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Flowers: Banksia integrifolia produces cylindrical flower spikes that are usually yellow to pale yellow. These spikes can be up to 12 cm long and are composed of hundreds of tiny individual flowers. The flowering season typically spans from late summer to winter, attracting a range of pollinators including birds, bees, and other insects (Atlas of Living Australia, 2023).
Cones: After flowering, the tree produces woody cones that contain seeds. These cones are an important feature of Banksia species, often persisting on the tree for years. The seeds are released from the cones following exposure to fire or extreme heat, which is a natural adaptation to the Australian bushfire-prone environment (Australian Native Plants Society, 2024).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Dunes and Headlands: Dunes and headlands are prominent coastal features in Queensland, providing unique and vital habitats that support a diverse range of ecosystems. Coastal dunes are characterised by their sandy soils and are often stabilised by hardy vegetation such as spinifex, coastal banksia, and casuarina, which help prevent erosion. Headlands, which are rocky coastal points, offer habitats for a variety of marine and terrestrial species, including seabirds and coastal flora adapted to the harsh, saline environment.
Eucalyptus Forests: Eucalyptus forests are characterised by their dominant eucalyptus tree species, thriving in a variety of soil types and pH levels, usually ranging from 4.5 to 7. These forests support a diverse understory of shrubs, grasses, and ground covers, and are adapted to periodic fires which help in seed germination and pest control. Common plants found in eucalyptus forests include wattles, grevilleas, and native grasses. These ecosystems are prominent in areas such as Toohey Forest, the Glass House Mountains, and D’Aguilar National Park.
References
Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024. Banksia integrifolia. [online] Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2002/banksia-integrifolia.html [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Atlas of Living Australia (ALA), 2023. Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia). [online] Available at: https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2917096 [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Australian Native Plants Society, 2024. Banksia integrifolia. [online] Available at: http://anpsa.org.au/b-integr.html [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Leiper, Glen, Muteroo: Plant use by Australian Aboriginal People. Eagleby South State School, Brisbane
Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D., & Rathie, K., 2008. Mountain to Mangroves: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants.
Stradbroke Island, Moreton Bay clippings book 1901-1972 : compiled by Mrs G. Rahnsleben, containing historical items clipped since 1902 but relating to general history of the island.