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botanical glossary
Blue Mountains Wildflowers
Banksias & Grevilleas
and other members of the Proteaceae family

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which these plants grow - the Darug and Gundungurra people - and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Mountain Devil Mountain Devil
Family Proteaceae

Although the Family Proteaceae is "only" the fifth largest of the Australia flora in terms of the number of species, it boasts some of the most popular and well known - including the Waratah and Old Man Banksia.

The Grevillea genus, with over 350 species, is the third largest genus - after Acacia and Eucalyptus.

Many of the species below are very prolific in the Blue Mountains.

Index to our collection

Banksias  -   Geebungs  -   Grevilleas  -   Drumsticks & Conesticks  -   Hakeas  -   Smoke Bushes  -   other genera

common name index

botanical name index

Banksias - also see our Banksias web page.

There are ten Banksia species in the Blue Mountains - here's nine of them.

The tenth, the Hill Banksia (Banksia collina) eluded me, but I have recently found one in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area and will add it to this webpage in the next few months when it fully flowers.

Banksia hooked styles Banksia hooked styles
Banksias vary within a species and hybrids can occur.

The first lesson is to disregard juvenile leaves - as they can be vastly different to the mature leaves used to identify plants - as this image of the seedlings of a Heath Banksia shows.

To assist in identification, the Banksias below are grouped into key identifiers.

Styles hooked.

The leaves distinguish these three from each other. The leaves of the missing Hill Banksia (Banksia collina) are toothed for most of their length, and lateral veins are evident underneath.

Heath Banksia
Heath Banksia
Banksia ericifolia subsp. ericifolia
A tall dense shrub to small tree; it has orange candle like cones in Autumn.
Its 10-15mm long rosemary like leaves identify it.
Heath Banksias don't regrow after fire; they depend on seedlings.
Also see our Heath Banksia web page.
Hairpin Banksia
Hairpin Banksia
Banksia spinulosa
A small multi-stemmed shrub usually less than 2 metres in height. The multiple stems are due to regrowth after fire.
Its recurved 2mm wide leaves identify it. The leaves tend to be clustered at the end of branches and point upwards like fingers on a hand.
Here's another image and another.
Banksia cunninghamii
Banksia cunninghamii

Until recently it was known as Banksia spinulosa var. cunninghamii.
A single stemmed tree up to 6m in height. Its 5mm wide leaves radiate from its branches, and are reasonably flat and are toothed towards the end.
Banksia cunninghamii doesn't regrow after fire; they depend on seedlings.
Styles not hooked; leaves in regular whorls.

Straightish styles and leaves in regular whorls distinguish these three from other Blue Mountains banksias. The three species are uncommon.

The leaves of the Swamp Banksia and Newnes Plateau Banksia help to distinguish them from each other. Note the difference in the number of teeth, lateral veins, how the leaves taper and the hairs.

It is appropriate to mention that the Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia) does not occur naturally in the Blue Mountains - but has been introduced. There's a few at Echo Point (Katoomba) and some magnificent mature trees at Bullaburra Station.

Swamp Banksia
Swamp Banksia
Banksia paludosa
subsp. paludosa
A small shrub to 2m, its whorls of leaves and leaves themselves help identify it.
White Mountain Banksia
White Mountain Banksia
Banksia integrifolia
subsp. monticola
A tall leggy tree to 25m that grows in forests on soils derived from igneous rocks - such as at Mt. Wilson.
Its whorls of leaves, leaves themselves and small light yellow cone help identify it.
White Mountain Banksias regrow after fire.  Here's another image.
Newnes Plateau Banksia
Newnes Plateau Banksia
Banksia penicillata
A large shrub to 4m in height, its whorls of leaves and leaves themselves help identify it.
Here's a great image of its cone.
Here's another image and another.
Newnes Plateau Banksias don't regrow after fire; they depend on seedlings.
Styles not hooked; leaves scattered along stems.
Silver Banksia
Silver Banksia
Banksia marginata
It gets its name from the underside of its leaves which are white and shine in the sun.
Here's another image and another.
Silver Banksias don't regrow after fire; they depend on seedlings.
See our Silver Banksia webpage.
Old Man Banksia
Old Man Banksia
Banksia serrata
My favourite plant.
Its distinctive cream cones in late summer with serrated leaves - all growing on a wonderfully gnarled tree identifies it.
Here he is covered in dew.
Old Man Banksias regrow after fire and also have seedlings.
See our Old Man Banksia webpage.
Fern-leaved Banksia
Fern-leaved Banksia
Banksia oblongifolia
Once you see its straight styles and scattered leaves, the rusty hairy under surface of its 7cm long leaves and branchlets nails it.
It's a 2-3m high scrub.
Its bluish perianth also identifies it.
See our Fern-leaved Banksia webpage.
Grevilleas - also see our Spider Flowers web page.

There's some 22 species of the Grevillea genus in the Blue Mountains.

Bog Grevillea
Bog Grevillea
Grevillea acanthifolia
subsp. acanthifolia
This distinctive toothed grevillea with its red branches, flowers in swamps in spring.
Here's another image.
[Note: The name "Bog Grevillea" is not widely used.]
Laurel-leaf Grevillea
Laurel-leaf Grevillea
Grevillea laurifolia
This stunning crimson ground-cover has a natural occurring hybrid with Grevillea acanthifolia (see left) that is known as Grevillea x gaudichaudii.
Pink Spider Flower
Pink Spider Flower
Grevillea sericea
This delightful scrub (to 2 metres) produces vibrant pink flowers in spring.
Also see our Spider Flowers web page.
Grey Spider Flower
Grey Spider Flower
Grevillea phylicoides
Distinguished from the other Grey Spider Flowers (G. buxifolia) by its narrower and very hairy leaves, and at 20mm wide its flowers are half the size.
It also lacks the little appendage at the end of its legs (styles). The foot-like pads at the end of the style are greeny-grey, where the (G. buxifolia)'s are a reddy-brown grey.
Here's another image.
Juniper Grevillea
Juniper Grevillea
Grevillea juniperina
Also called the Spiky Red Spider Flower.
There are seven identified subspecies; the one shown here is most probably ssp. trinervis - identified by its Blue Mountains location, its red colour and the width of its leaves - > 1mm.
Green Spider Flower
Green Spider Flower
Grevillea mucronulata
Suspended on a stalk and looking much like a spider hanging by its silk thread, it is easy to see where this delightful wildflower gets its name.
The flower is around 60mm across.
The oval concave leaves are 15mm long and 10mm wide and are hairy underneath.
The botanical name comes from the mucro (leaf tip).
Here's another image and another.
Rosemary Grevillea
Grevillea aspleniifolia

Its toothbrush-like flower and jagged leaves identifies it. This plant was found in the Kedumba Valley.
Rosemary Grevillea
Rosemary Grevillea
Grevillea rosmarinifolia
Identified by its Rosemary like narrow recurved leaves.
Woolly Grevillea
Woolly Grevillea
Grevillea lanigera
Its name identifies it - woolly leaves and style. It flowers in spring.
Evans Grevillea
Evans Grevillea
Grevillea evansiana
Classed as vulnerable, it is only found in an area east of Rylstone.
It is identified by its "felty" leaves and crimson flowers.
This plant was found in Wollemi National Park.   Here's another image.
Red Spider Flower
Red Spider Flower
Grevillea oleoides
Yet another stunning member of the Proteaceae family.
Previously a subspecies of G. speciosa, its leaves are longer - > 4cm.
Here's another image and another.
Geebungs - the Persoonia genus
Needle Geebung fruit
There are about 100 species of Geebung - all endemic to Australia.

There are some 20 species in the Blue Mountains.

Their distinctive bright yellow flowers in summer and fruit (drupes) distinguishes them from any other genus.

They are known to hybridize, so identifying a species is not always straight forward.

The word Geebung has been immortalised in Banjo Paterson's poem The Geebung Polo Club.

Broad-leaved Geebung
Broad-leaved Geebung
Persoonia levis
One of the more easily identified Geebungs - as its broad leaves and flaky bark are the keys.
Here's an image of its new growth.
Here's another image of its flowers.
Narrow-leaved Geebung
Narrow-leaved Geebung
Persoonia linearis
The other Geebung with flaky bark is the Narrow-leaved Geebung. Its leaves are very long (up to 80mm) and are usually just 2mm wide.
Here's another image.
Mountain Geebung
Mountain Geebung
Persoonia chamaepitys
This is a prostrate geebung. Its light green pine-like leaves identifies it.
Persoonia recedens
Persoonia recedens

Its 20mm long flat leaves, that are up to 4mm wide, helps to identify it.
It is a threatened species, and is mainly found in the upper Blue Mountains.
Soft Geebung image pc290415
Soft Geebung
Persoonia mollis subsp. mollis
Its very hairy leaves, branches and tepals (outer covering of the flower) are the first thing you notice about this attractive plant.
There are nine subspecies - but this is the one most frequently found in the upper Blue Mountains.
Here's a close-up image.
Lance Leaf Geebung
Lance Leaf Geebung
Persoonia lanceolata
The leaves on this geebung tree are 65-70mm long, 15mm wide and are concolourous (same colour on both sides).
The pedicel (flower stalk) is 3mm long and the unfurled tepal (outer surface of flower) is 11mm long.
Here's another image.
Laurel-leaf Geebung
Laurel-leaf Geebung
Persoonia laurina subsp. laurina
Identified by the rusty brown hairs on the outer layer of its flowers (the tepals).
There are three subspecies. Subsp. laurina has smooth leaves.
Needle Geebung
Needle Geebung
Persoonia acerosa
This Geebung is classified as "vulnerable". It is identified by its needle like leaves which are "subterete" (cylinder-like) and have a channel on them.
Here's another image.
Hakeas
open Hakea fruit
There are about 150 species of Hakea - all endemic to Australia - with about 10 in the Blue Mountains.

Their distinctive woody fruit (seed capsule) distinguishes them from other genera. The fruit does not open until the branch supporting it dies.


Dagger Hakea
Dagger Hakea
Hakea teretifolia
Arguably the most prickly customer in the bush. Its leaves are hard and sharp. It's named after its distinctively shaped fruit. It has white flowers in summer.
Also called Needlebush.
Ernie Constable's Hakea
Ernie Constable's Hakea
Hakea constablei
Identified by its 10cm long terete leaves and 4cm+ fruit, this species is limited to the Blue Mountains.
Here's another image.
Hakea pachyphylla
Hakea pachyphylla

Only found in the upper Blue Mountains, Hakea pachyphylla is distinguished from H. propinqua by its yellow flowers, later flowering (spring) and smoother fruit.
Willow-leaved Hakea
Willow-leaved Hakea
Hakea salicifolia
Identified by its dull flat leaves that have obscure veins, and warty fruit that has an upturned beak.
Here's another image.
Finger Hakea
Finger Hakea
Hakea dactyloides
Flowering in spring, it is identified by its flat leaves that have three veins, its fruit with its small beak, and glabrous (hairless) branchlets.
Also called the Broad-leaved Hakea.
Similar to Hakea laevipes.
Hakea laevipes
Hakea laevipes
Although having leaves with three veins, it is distinguished from the Finger Hakea by its conspicuous secondary veins, its beakless fruit, and pubescent (hairy) branchlets.
It also flowers later than the Finger Hakea.
Being lignotuberous means that it may have multiple branches as the result of a bushfire.
Drumsticks & Conesticks - the Isopogon and Petrophile genera
- also see our Drumsticks & Conesticks web page.

There are 35 species of the Isopogon genus - all endemic to Australia. 7 are in NSW with 5 in the Blue Mountains.

There are 63 species of the Petrophile genus - all endemic to Australia. 4 are in NSW and the Blue Mountains.

Broad-leaf Drumsticks
Broad-leaf Drumsticks
Isopogon anemonifolius
The Drumstick's leaves become red in the cooler months, giving each flower a sensational red and green surround.
Conesticks
Conesticks
Petrophile pulchella
Although looking needle like, its leaf are soft. Its cones are more oval than the Drumstick.
Stalked Conesticks
Stalked Conesticks
Petrophile pedunculata
Where the leaves of the Conesticks generally all point upwards, the leaves of the Stalked Conesticks point every which way.
Smoke Bushes - the Conospermum genus
smoke bush flowers
Immediately recognised by the unique lobes of its flowers - three together like a fork, and a fourth on top.

There are about 50 species of the Conospermum genus - all endemic to Australia.

Seven species/subspecies are recorded as being in the Blue Mountains.


Variable Smoke-bush
Variable Smoke-bush
Conospermum taxifolium
The Conospermum flower identifies the genus - it has a three pronged bottom lip.
C. taxifolium is distinguished from C. ericifolium by its wider leaves - > 1mm.
Sprawling Smoke-bush
Sprawling Smoke-bush
Conospermum tenuifolium
The long stems emerge from, what looks like, a patch of long grass. The flowers are a lilac colour and appear in spring.
Long Leaf Smoke Bush
Long Leaf Smoke Bush
Conospermum longifolium
subsp. mediale
Recognised by its long strapping leaves which are up to 25cm in length.
Here's a close-up of its flowers.
This subspecies is mainly found in the Blue Mountains.
Other genera of the Proteaceae family
saving the best until last!?

There are 6 other genera in the Blue Mountains with 8 species in total.

NSW Waratah
NSW Waratah
Telopea speciosissima
The floral emblem of New South Wales.
The crimson flowers appear in spring and are 15cm in diameter. Truly magnificent.
Also see our NSW Waratah web page.
Mountain Devil
Mountain Devil
Lambertia formosa
Spot flowering throughout the year, but especially in the warmer months, its red flowers can be easily seen.
Also see our Mountain Devil web page.
Mountain Symphionema
Mountain Symphionema
Symphionema montanum
There are only two species in this genera - both endemic to NSW. It is identified by its "ternate" leaves (leaves divided into 3).
S. montanum has flatter leaves than S. paludosum and has a distinct mid-vein.
The name "Mountain Symphionema" is not widely used.
Crinkle Bush
Crinkle Bush
Lomatia silaifolia
This small shrub is recognised through the year by its unique leaves, and then in summer by its spikes of white flowers.
Woody Pear
Woody Pear
Xylomelum pyriforme
Easily recognised by its "fruit", the leaves are similar to the Waratah except the Woody Pear's are opposite on the stem.
Here's more images showing the flowers at various stages (different plants).
image 1  -  image 2  -  image 3
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