Banksia 'Waite Flame' facts for kids

Banksia 'Waite Flame' is a special type of Banksia plant. It's a chosen version of the Banksia coccinea (also called the Albany or Scarlet Banksia). This plant blooms earlier and has more orange flowers than its original parent plant.

Discovering Banksia 'Waite Flame'

This unique plant was first created in 1989. It grew from a seed of B. coccinea that was pollinated naturally. This happened during a special plant breeding program.

How Was It Created?

The breeding program was led by Dr. Margaret Sedgley. She worked at the Department of Horticulture, Viticulture and Oenology. This department is part of the University of Adelaide in Adelaide, South Australia.

Three years later, in 1992, a company called Luminis Pty Ltd registered 'Waite Flame' as a new plant variety. Luminis Pty Ltd was owned by the University of Adelaide. The plant officially got its registration on October 25, 1994. However, its registration was later stopped on August 13, 2007.

What Makes It Special?

One of the most special things about Banksia 'Waite Flame' is when it flowers. It starts blooming early, usually in June and July. Most other Banksia coccinea plants flower later, from July to December, with their busiest time in August. This early blooming makes 'Waite Flame' stand out!