Firewood banksia

Firewood banksia (Banksia menziesii)

A common banksia on the coastal plain, growing up to 8m tall.  Firewood banksia has a twisted and knotted appearance, colourful flower spikes, and cones with prominent “beaks”.  Flowers are produced over autumn and winter.  The lowest flowers on the spike open first, forming a halo.

Ref: “Leaf and branch: trees and tall shrubs of Perth, by Robert Powell.  Published by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, 2009.