Family Proteaceae
Characteristics
- can be small shrubs, ground covers or large trees
- leaves are tough and leathery
- flower heads are made up of a number of small flowers. The flowers are made up
of petal-like tepals which are united. Each flower has four stamens (male parts) and
a long, protruding carpel (female part). The stigma is held between the stamens,
forming a loop
- many species produce abundant nectar, which was used by Aboriginal people
throughout Australia to make a sweet drink
- timber from Grevillea robusta (Silky Oak), a rainforest member of the family, is used to make furniture
- most are pollinated by birds (honeyeaters)
- fruit is usually hard and woody
The family Proteaceae is divided into a number of groups or genera. Some well-known examples are:
- Banksia
- Hakea
- Grevillea
- Telopea
Structure of the genus Grevillea
(Left : Front-on view of flower) - (Right : Cross-section through flower)
