Botanical Name
Banksia plagiocarpa
Common Name
Hinchinbrook Island Banksia
Description
Hinchinbrook Island Banksia is a rare tropical tree renowned for its distinctive silver-purple flower spikes and exceptional tolerance of humid conditions that creates unique displays in rainforest-style gardens. This distinctive species produces cylindrical flower spikes up to 15cm long in elegant silver-purple tones that attract honeyeaters and other tropical nectar-feeding birds while thriving in higher humidity environments. The large, serrated leaves provide attractive evergreen foliage with distinctive bronze new growth typical of tropical banksias. Requiring consistent moisture and protection from harsh winds, it thrives in well-drained but moist soils and partial shade positions. Perfect for tropical gardens, rainforest plantings, and areas where rare native beauty and unique flowering create special garden collections.
Plant Category
Trees
Size (H x W)
Height: 6-12 meters, Spread: 4-8 meters
Banksia plagiocarpa is endemic to Hinchinbrook Island in tropical North Queensland, naturally occurring in rainforest margins and moist coastal environments with high humidity and protection from strong winds.
Cultural SIgnificance
As an endemic species of Hinchinbrook Island, this rare Banksia represents the unique biodiversity of tropical North Queensland and continues the tradition of banksias being important nectar sources for Aboriginal peoples and native wildlife in tropical regions.
Kuranga respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri people, as the custodians of this land. We pay respect to all Aboriginal community Elders, past and present, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the history of the region.
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