PlantFiles: Wallum Banksia Tree
Banksia aemula

Formerly known as Banksia serratifolia, this species is an Australian native to the coastal heaths from Sydney to Bundberg preferring sandy soils of dunes and stable sand deposits. It is a small gnarly looking tree in appearance capable of attaining heights of 26’ although generally only growing to 12-16’ in height. The plant is quite desirable for a smaller garden due to its compactness and smaller size although it does require a site with very good drainage and will require additional water during dry periods until it is established.

The leaves are leathery, large, and stiff and have serrated edges. The bark is absolutely awesome and so interesting in that it is very corky and has a distinctive orangish coloration. The trunk is not normally straight which further adds to the visual interest.

The wallum banksia is very similar to B.serrata. It can be difficult to distinguish from that species but B.aemula is generally a smaller plant and the only real difference being the stigma of the flower, which is conical and blunt compared with the longer cylindrical stigma of B. serrata. Additionally, B. aemula has enormous woody follicles. Hybrids have been observed which can muddy the identification process.

The flowers are well visited by native Australian bird species which include Rainbow Lorikeets, Leatherheads, Honeyeaters, Spangled Drongos, and Silvereyes. Bird species indigenous to North America have little interest in the nectar from the flowers.

Propagation from seed of this species is reliable.