The Banksia is one of the most unusual and beautiful plants in Australia. It grows in different environments, from coastal heath to rainforest, although it is unusual in rainforests where there is usually no fire.

Banksias are adapted to living with fire. Unlike Eucalypts, they do not survive a fire and grow again. But their seeds are contained in hard capsules which only open after a fire. They need a fire to be able to grow from seed.

Their flowers, which come out in winter, look like colourful cylindrical brushes. They drip with nectar which feeds the birds in the day and possums at night.

Banksias have gnarled trunks and branches and attractive seed pods.