What is Banksia?
Q: What is Banksia?
A: Banksia is a genus of plants common to Australia, which is noted for their unique flowering.
Q: How many species does Banksia have?
A: Banksia has around 170 species.
Q: What kind of landscapes do Banksia generally grow in?
A: Banksia is generally found in a wide variety of landscapes, including (occasionally) rainforest, shrubland, and some more arid landscapes, though not in Australia's deserts.
Q: What is the importance of Banksia plants in the Australian bush?
A: Banksia produce plenty of nectar and are a vital part of the food chain in the Australian bush as they are an important food source for all sorts of nectariferous animals including birds, bats, rats, possums and a host of invertebrates.
Q: What is the economic importance of Banksia plants?
A: Banksia plants are of economic importance for Australia's nursery and cut flower industries.
Q: What are the threats faced by Banksia plants?
A: Banksia plants are threatened by land clearing, frequent burning, disease, and a number of species are rare and endangered.
Q: After whom was Banksia named?
A: Banksia was named after Joseph Banks.
