Grevillea robusta
Silky Oak
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Grevillea genus in the family Proteaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Genus
- Grevillea
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Growth rate
- vigorous
- Height
- 30 m
- Spread
- 15 m
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The flowers are one of the richest sources of nectar[8]. This can be sucked directly from the flowers, shaken into a bowl or washed out in a small quantity of water[8]. The nectar falls in showers when the flowers are shaken[2].
- Product or use
- Nectar
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The plant yields small quantities of a gum resin[3]. The leaves contain rutin, though quantities are not specified[10]. Intense yellow and green dyes are obtained from the leaves[7]. This tree is one of the most important reafforestation trees in Nepal[12]. This species is more resistant than other members of the genus to root-rotting fungus, it is sometimes used as a rootstock for the more susceptible species[9]. Wood - strong, silky textured, light, easily split, durable but porous. Used for panelling, joinery, cabinet making etc[3][4][6]. A good fuel[12].
- Product or use
- Dye
- Product or use
- Gum
- Product or use
- Wood
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Secondary canopy
Environment
- Range
- Australia - New South Wales, Queensland.
- Habitat
- Temperate rainforests[5]
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 9+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- drought
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- tolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow February in a warm greenhouse. Germination is usually good[13]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, June/July in a frame[13].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
An easy and fast-growing tree requiring a well-drained slightly acid soil and a sunny position[11]. It prefers a rich moist soil[6], but it also succeeds in dry soils. Dislikes limey soils[1][5]. Established plants are drought resistant[3]. This species is not very hardy when grown outdoors in Britain. In its native range it does experience frosts, though these are normally light and short-lived[6]. Plants tolerate temperatures down to -7°c in Australian gardens[5] though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens because of our cooler summers and longer, colder and wetter winters. It is usually grown as a pot plant in Britain, though it rarely flowers here[1]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is often grown as a street tree in suitable climates[11]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[5]. The flowers are very attractive to bees[3]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[9].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Wild Food in Australia. Fontana 1976-00-00 ISBN 0-00-634436-4
Ewart. A. J. Flora of Victoria.
Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Useful Wild Plants in Australia. William Collins Pty Ltd. Sidney 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-00-216441-8
Wrigley. J. W. and Fagg. M. Australian Native Plants. Collins. (Australia) 1988-00-00 ISBN 0-7322-0021-0
Holliday. I. and Hill. R. A Field Guide to Australian Trees. Frederick Muller Ltd. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-85179-627-3
Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-330-37376-5
Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00