Banksia foliosissima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Banksia foliosissima |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Banksia
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| Species: |
foliosissima
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| Synonyms | |
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Dryandra foliosissima C.A.Gardner |
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Banksia foliosissima is a special type of shrub that grows upright. It is found only in Western Australia. This plant has many leaves that are deeply divided, like a feather. It also has beautiful golden-yellow flowers. These flowers grow in groups of up to one hundred. After flowering, it produces egg-shaped fruits called follicles. You can only find Banksia foliosissima in two small areas in the southwest of Western Australia.
Contents
What Does Banksia foliosissima Look Like?
Banksia foliosissima is a shrub that usually grows about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6.5 feet) tall. It does not have a special woody base that helps some plants regrow after a fire. Its small branches are covered in fine hairs.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this banksia are long and narrow. They measure about 15 to 27 centimeters (6 to 11 inches) in length. Each leaf is about 4 to 8 millimeters (0.16 to 0.31 inches) wide. The leaves grow on a stalk up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long. Each side of the leaf has between 25 and 45 small, triangular teeth.
The flowers grow in dense heads. Each head can hold between 90 and 100 flowers. At the base of the flower head, there are special leaf-like parts called bracts. These bracts are oblong or lance-shaped and can be up to 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) long. The flowers themselves are golden yellow. They are about 2.7 to 3 centimeters (1.1 to 1.2 inches) long. Each flower has a cream-colored pistil, which is the part that receives pollen. This pistil is about 3 to 4 centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) long.
When Does It Flower?
Banksia foliosissima usually flowers in May or August. After the flowers, the plant produces hairy, egg-shaped fruits. These fruits are called follicles and are about 1.8 to 2.1 centimeters (0.7 to 0.8 inches) long.
How Was Banksia foliosissima Named?
This plant was first officially described in 1964. A botanist named Charles Austin Gardner gave it the name Dryandra foliosissima. He published his description in a science journal. He had collected samples of the plant near a town called Ravensthorpe.
Later, in 2007, two other scientists, Austin Mast and Kevin Thiele, made a change. They moved all the plants in the Dryandra group into the Banksia group. This is why the plant is now called Banksia foliosissima. The second part of its name, foliosissima, comes from a Latin word. It means "very leafy" or "full of leaves," which describes the plant well.
Where Does Banksia foliosissima Grow?
Banksia foliosissima is found in only two separate areas in Western Australia. One area is near Tarin Rock. The other is near Ravensthorpe. In these places, it grows in a type of dense shrubland called kwongan. This is a unique habitat found in Western Australia.
Is Banksia foliosissima Protected?
Yes, this banksia is considered important to protect. The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified it as "Priority Four". This means the plant is rare or close to becoming threatened. It needs special attention to make sure it continues to survive in the wild.
