Grevillea pteridifolia

Golden Grevillea

Proteaceae

Form and Size: In N.T. often found as a robust tree, but in north Qld. usually a sparse shrub or slender tree 4-8m high; also on the eastern side of Cape York it is found in several locations as a prostrate plant.

Distribution: Widespread across the tropical north of Australia, in coastal and inland areas.

Leaves: Fern-like, 15-25cm long; pinnately divided into numerous narrow, spreading segments, 10-20cm x 0.1-0.2cm, greyish-green, margins rolled backwards; new growth covered with silvery, silky hairs.

Bark: Dark, hard, furrowed.

Flowers: Orange, sometimes yellow to golden, waxy; densely crowded on one-sided racemes 8-15cm long, flowers facing upwards.

Flowering Period: April to November.

Fruit: Follicles, brown, beaked, 1.5-1.8cm long; seeds flattened, narrowly winged.

Cultivation/Notes: Propagate from seed. The prostrate form appears to grow true to form from seed. One of the most widespread of the tropical Grevilleas, usually found as a thick understorey in light Eucalypt or Melaleuca scrub. The flowers produce large quantities of nectar and are frequented by honeyeaters, nocturnal marsupials and bats. In north Qld. single plants can be very sparse and greater value can be obtained by planting in groups.