Unlike other banksias, bull banksia is plentiful in the Jarrah forest of the Darling Plateau. It also grows on the coastal plain, especially in Tuart and Marri forests. Bull banksia’s species name, from Latin, is in reference to its leaves – grandis “great”. They are large and broad and divided into triangular segments. Bull banksia grows up to 10 m tall and flowers in spring and summer. It is susceptible to “dieback” (see Jarrah). Its seed cones were the inspiration for childrens’ author May Gibbs’ “bad banksia men”.
“Leaf and branch: trees and tall shrubs of Perth” by Robert Powell. Published by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, 2009.
“Pathway to magic: the story of May Gibbs in Western Australia” by Jean Lang. Published by Challenge Bank Ltd, Perth, 1991.