FAMILY:

PROTEACEAE

Genus:

Grevillea

species:

pteridifolia

Common name:

Fern-leaved grevillea

Name derivation:

Genus: Comm. Charles Greville, London Horticultural Society President; species: Greek pteris - fern, Latin folium - leaf.

Growth habit:

Small tree.

Dimensions:

Height 5-8m, width 3m.

Foliage:

Alternate pinnatifid 10-25cm dark green above, silvery silky hairy under.

Flower:

Bright orange, prominent style, numerous on one side of dense racemes 10-20cm long. Terminal or in upper leaf axils.

Fruit:

Hairy slightly ovoid semi-woody follicle. Grey brown when ripe.

Other features:

Fast growing. Bark: dark grey below, lighter above.

Natural distribution:

Tropical WA, NT, Qld.

Soils:

Acid to neutral, coastal areas.

Natural vegetation:

Monsoonal areas, on banks of freshwater swamps and creeks.

Landcare use:

Nectar producing flowers for birds, flying foxes.

Propagation:

Seeds.

Pests and diseases:

Borer damage.