Grevillea robusta
Plant Number: 26
Common Name: Silky Oak Bur'anda (Turrubul)
Scientific Name: Grevillea robusta
Derivation of name
Grevillea – Named after Charles Francis Greville (1749–1809), one of the founders of the Horticultural Society
robusta – from the Latin robusta meaning 'strong'
Description
- Tree to 35 metres
- Fern like (in appearance) green grey leaves; silvery underneath
- Woody brown-grey, 2 segmented seed capsules to 20 mm
- produces germination suppressors in its leaves not only for its own offspring but for other plants as well; thus they grow at intervals along creeks rather than in clumps.
Human uses
Silky Oak timber remains highly sought after for furniture making. The downside for loggers is the sap and sawdust from a freshly cut log can cause skin and eye irritation.
Indigenous Australians used the flowers as a source of nectar, either eating the entire flower or dipping it in water to make a sweetened drink.
Acknowledgment: Mountains to Mangroves
Photo Credit: Andreas Lambrianides