banksia

noun

bank·​sia ˈbaŋ(k)-sē-ə 

: any of a genus (Banksia) of Australian evergreen trees or shrubs of the protea family with alternate leathery leaves and flowers in dense cylindrical heads

Examples of banksia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Walk the tree trail and check out the towering Klinki pine, macadamia, and magnolia trees, then spot brilliant banksias and bold grevilleas in the Native Rockery or travel back in time through the primitive Rainforest Garden boasting rare ferns, palms, and orchids. —Yousra Attia, ELLE, 9 June 2023

At least two species of midwater cephalopods — an octopus known as Japetella heathi and the common clubhook squid, Onychoteuthis banksia — take a different approach to countering bioluminescence: by changing colors. —Jason P. Dinh, Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2022

There’s a coral tree, a banksia, a puka, a Blackwood acacia and three different palms. —Steve Rubenstein, SFChronicle.com, 25 May 2020

Unfortunately for the banksia, its roots had apparently led to the formation of cracks in a retaining wall, and one of its two trunks had been cut to the stump. —Steve Rubenstein, SFChronicle.com, 25 May 2020

The carpenter bees need the longstanding banksias to carry them through multiple seasons. —National Geographic, 17 Jan. 2020

The banksia plant, which the bees use for nests, have burned. —Anchorage Daily News, 10 Jan. 2020

Rainbow lorikeets and bright pink galah cockatoos flitted between eucalyptus trees and banksia blossoms that resembled giant yellow and orange candles. —Margo Pfeiff, latimes.com, 25 Feb. 2018

Some plants, like banksia, release seeds out of woody capsules when heated, while others, including some orchids, flower after stimulation by a fire. —C. Claiborne Ray, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2018

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Sir Joseph Banks

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above