Banksia serrata

Old Man Banksia, Wattung-urree

Family: Proteaceae

Banksia serrata is a small tree or large shrub is common in sandstone woodland and open forests or sandy soils. It is characterised by its grey knobbly bark and thick gnarled crooked trunk when old. It can quickly regenerate after fire due its large lignotubers, underground swellings which provide food storage for the plant.

The evenly serrated leaves are stiff and leathery, glossy dark green above, dull pale green below, up to 16cm long.

Large cones of silver grey flowers are 8-16cm long and 5-10cm wide. The nectar attracts birds, insects and marsupials. Golden styles open from the bottom upwards.

The winged seeds are contained in velvety woody sacs which protude beyond the dying flowers, giving the cone its "old man's face" look.

Banksia serrata flowers in December,January, February, March.