Banksia 'Superman' facts for kids

Banksia 'Superman, also known as Banksia serrata 'Superman, is a special type of Banksia plant. It's a "cultivar," which means it's a plant chosen and grown for its unique features. This amazing plant was found in Australia because it's much bigger than regular Banksia plants!

Meet 'Banksia' 'Superman'

This unique plant was discovered in 1986 by Maria Hitchcock. She found it near Nambucca in New South Wales, Australia. Maria was working on a project called the Banksia Atlas at the time.

She tried to have it recognized as a new subspecies, but that didn't happen. So, she named it 'Superman' because of its giant flowers and leaves. It's also a nod to the common name for its parent plant, Banksia serrata, which is the Saw Banksia.

What Makes It Special?

The leaves and flowers of 'Banksia' 'Superman' are usually twice the size of a typical Banksia serrata plant. Its flowers, called inflorescences, are grey when they are buds. They can grow up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) long and 12 centimeters (about 5 inches) wide.

The yellow parts of the flower, called styles, start to appear in a spiral pattern from the bottom. They slowly cover the whole flower. Birds like lorikeets love to visit these flowers for their sweet nectar.

Where Does It Grow?

You can find 'Banksia' 'Superman' growing naturally in areas near running water. It also likes places with poorly drained soil. These areas are located between Nambucca Heads and Grassy Head in New South Wales.

This plant is special because its seeds grow "true to seed." This means that if you plant a seed from 'Banksia' 'Superman', the new plant will also have the same giant features.

Growing Your Own 'Superman' Banksia

'Banksia' 'Superman' is not yet sold in many plant nurseries. However, its seeds have been shared with members of the Australian Plants Society. Plants have been growing well in the Armidale area for over 15 years, and also in Canberra.

The plant has a short, bumpy trunk and thick branches. It can handle frost well, especially once it grows taller. However, it's only moderately good at handling dry conditions.

When the flowers finish blooming, they turn into a fruiting cone. This cone is covered with dead brown styles. It has special parts called follicles that hold one or two large seeds. These seeds have black, papery wings and are separated by a woody spacer. For the follicles to open and release the seeds, the cones need to be heated, like in a fire or an oven.

The tree constantly drops its leaves. This creates a natural layer of mulch on the ground around it.

See also

In Spanish: Banksia «Superman» para niños