Banksias
Few plants capture the spirit of Australia quite like the banksia. Their bold, architectural forms and striking flower spikes have long inspired botanists, artists, and designers alike. Each species reveals a different rhythm—tight spirals of florets, intricate geometry, and patterns shaped by wind, fire, and resilience. These ancient plants play a vital ecological role, providing nectar for birds, insects, and mammals even through the harshest seasons.
In my photographs, I’m drawn to the symmetry and sculptural presence of banksias - the way light traces their texture, the interplay of softness and strength. Whether encountered in the wild or in cultivation, banksias embody both endurance and elegance, a reminder of nature’s ability to create beauty through adaptation.
Banksia gardneri (Prostrate Banksia) Photographed near Albany, Western Australia, in the Regional Wildflower Garden, September 2021. A low-growing species that hugs the sandy soil, Banksia gardneri produces golden flower spikes close to the ground, perfectly adapted to attract small mammals and honeyeaters while withstanding the region’s coastal winds and nutrient-poor soils.
Banksia coccinea (Scarlet Banksia) Native to the south coast of Western Australia, this striking species is celebrated for its vivid scarlet flower spikes and silvery foliage. Photographed in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, June 2021. Banksia coccinea thrives in sandy coastal soils and is a vital nectar source for native birds during the cooler months.
Banksia menziesii (Firewood Banksia) Endemic to Western Australia, Banksia menziesii is known for its dense, flame-coloured flower spikes that range from deep red to golden tones. Photographed in Bold Park, Perth, July 2021. This species blooms through much of the year, providing an important food source for honeyeaters and other pollinators in the region’s sandy coastal plains.
Banksia menziesii (Firewood Banksia, dried flower) Native to Western Australia, Banksia menziesii retains its sculptural beauty long after flowering. Photographed in Bold Park, Perth, July 2021. The dried cones, with their woody textures and patterned seed follicles, reveal the plant’s remarkable adaptation to fire and regeneration in the Australian landscape.
Banksia menziesii (Firewood Banksia, seed pod) Native to Western Australia, Banksia menziesii forms distinctive woody seed pods - often called cones - after flowering. Photographed in Bold Park, Perth, July 2021. These sculptural forms protect the seeds until fire or heat triggers their release, a powerful example of the plant’s resilience and adaptation to its environment.
Banksia media (Southern Plains Banksia) Native to the southern coast of Western Australia, Banksia media is distinguished by its golden flower spikes and finely serrated leaves. Photographed in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, 2020 - this image was selected as one of ten finalists in the Flowers in Focus photography competition and later became part of The Symmetry Within collection.
Banksia menziesii (Firewood Banksia) Endemic to Western Australia, Banksia menziesii produces spectacular flower spikes ranging from deep red to bright pink. This photograph, part of The Symmetry Within collection, highlights the species’ intricate geometry and luminous colour - a striking example of nature’s precision and artistry.
Banksia media (Southern Plains Banksia) Found along the southern coast of Western Australia, Banksia media displays large, golden flower spikes with a beautifully symmetrical form. This image, also part of The Symmetry Within collection, celebrates the balance and natural harmony found within Australia’s native flora.
Banksia menziesii (Firewood Banksia) A striking Western Australian species, Banksia menziesii features dense, cylindrical flower spikes in shades of red, pink, and gold. Its bold structure and velvety texture make it one of the most recognisable and admired members of the genus, embodying both strength and delicate complexity.
Banksia pulchella (Teasel Banksia) Endemic to Western Australia, Banksia pulchella is a slender shrub known for its elegant, elongated flower spikes and fine, needle-like foliage. Its pale golden blooms appear through winter and spring, offering a subtle yet intricate display that reflects the quiet beauty of the southwest’s native heathlands.
Banksia prionotes (Acorn Banksia) Native to the sandy plains of southwestern Western Australia, Banksia prionotes is easily recognised by its vibrant orange flower spikes and pale green foliage. Flowering from late summer into winter, it provides abundant nectar for birds and pollinators, standing as a bright, sculptural presence in the coastal landscape.
Banksia baxteri (Bird’s Nest Banksia) Endemic to the south coast of Western Australia, Banksia baxteri is named for its distinctive bowl-shaped flower heads that resemble a bird’s nest. This photograph captures a young flower bud nestled among vibrant green foliage, revealing the plant’s intricate textures and the early geometry that later unfolds into its striking golden bloom.
Banksia burdettii (Burdett’s Banksia) Native to inland areas of Western Australia, Banksia burdettii is celebrated for its large, cylindrical flower spikes that shift from soft silvery tones to deep orange as they mature. Flowering through summer and autumn, it provides vital nectar for honeyeaters and embodies the bold contrasts and resilience of Australia’s interior landscapes.
Banksia violacea (Violet Banksia) A rare species native to Western Australia’s southern regions, Banksia violacea is unique for its deep violet to burgundy flower spikes - an uncommon hue among banksias. Compact and slow-growing, it flourishes in the sandy soils of heathland environments, adding a striking touch of colour to the subdued tones of the Australian bush.