The Banksia Seed Pod
Australia's Native Treasure
Banksia is a genus of
plants that occur in Australia and Papua New Guinea
numbering 75 named species. Of these, 61 are found in Western Australia,
including the Banksia Grandis, the species that generates the large seed pods.
Banksias, in general,
occur as plants ranging from prostrate shrubs, to
larger bushes, and trees of around 50 feet in heights. The Bandsias
Grandis
is restricted to a natural occurrence in only the southwest corner of
Western Australia.
The cones commonly used
for woodturning are the fruit body remains from
the flower head spike that blooms from October to January. These cones
can be from 4 to 16 inches long. Once the stunning, upright, golden yellow
or red flowers fall off, the cone matures on the tree and the seeds develop.
Often it is the heat of a forest fire that causes the seed case holes, which
give these pods their unique appearance, to burst open and release their seeds.
Banksia Seed Pods are a
truly renewable resource, since no trees are cut
down to harvest the pods. Working with Banksia Pods is an adventure, but
the results are well worth the effort!
Enjoy!
