FAMILY:

PROTEACEAE

Genus:

Banksia

species:

attenuata

Common name:

Candle, coast or slender banksia.

Name derivation:

Banksia name after Sir Joesph Banks, the famous botanist who explored with Captain Cook. Attenuata refers to narrowed leaf base.

Growth habit:

Tree, evergreen.

Dimensions:

Height 4-14m.

Foliage:

Leaves linear with attenuate base and serrated margin.

Flower:

Mainly summer flowering. Bright yellow flower spikes.

Fruit:

Cylindrical 'cone' containing follicles.

Other features:

Lignotuber. Sensitive to phosphorus. Has cluster or proteoid roots. Dark grey, thick, rough bark.

Natural distribution:

South-west Western Australia.

Soils:

Deep sands.

Natural vegetation:

Heath or woodland.

Landcare use:

Revegetation. Bird habitat. Nectar supply.

Propagation:

Seeds.

Pests and diseases:

Longicorn beetle Banksia moth and Phytophthora dieback.