Banksia vincentia facts for kids

The Banksia vincentia is a special type of shrub that grows only in a small area in southern New South Wales, Australia. It's part of a group of plants called the Banksia spinulosa complex, meaning it's closely related to other Banksia spinulosa plants. This unique plant is also similar to the New England banksia, which lives much further north.

What Does It Look Like?

The Banksia vincentia is a low, spreading shrub. It usually grows about 30 to 75 centimeters (about 1 to 2.5 feet) tall. It can spread out quite wide, from 1 to 2 meters (about 3 to 6.5 feet) across. Its branches first grow sideways for about 20 to 30 centimeters before turning upwards.

How Was It Discovered?

The Banksia vincentia was first found in 2008. A local plant nursery owner named Jacki Koppman discovered it. She thought it might be a new kind of plant. So, she sent samples to the New South Wales Herbarium. A herbarium is like a library for dried plant specimens. Experts there, Marge Stimpson and Peter Weston, officially described and named it in 2014.

Why Is It Special?

This banksia is very rare. When it was first found, there were only 14 plants known in the wild. Now, there are only 12 individual shrubs left. This makes it a very important plant to protect.

Helping the Banksia vincentia Survive

Scientists and plant experts are working hard to save this rare shrub. They are collecting and storing its seeds. They are also growing new plants from these seeds. Some new plants are also grown from cuttings. This work is happening at the Australian Botanic Gardens in Canberra. It's also being done at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens. Some plant material has even been sent to the famous Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in England. These efforts help make sure the Banksia vincentia doesn't disappear forever.