Banksia integrifolia is a species of tree that grows along the east
coast of Australia. One of the most widely-distributed Banksia
species, it occurs between Victoria and Central Queensland in a broad
range of habitats, from coastal dunes to mountains. It is highly
variable in form, but is most often encountered as a tree up to 25
metres (82 ft) in height. Its leaves have dark green upper surfaces
and white undersides, a contrast that can be striking on windy days.
It is one of the four original Banksia species collected by Sir Joseph
Banks in 1770, and one of four species published in 1782 as part of
Carolus Linnaeus the Younger's original description of the genus. A
hardy and versatile garden plant, B. integrifolia is widely planted in
Australian gardens. It is a popular choice for parks and streetscapes,
and has been used for bush revegetation and stabilisation of dunes.
Its hardiness has prompted research into its suitability for use as a
rootstock in the cut flower trade, but has also caused concerns about
its potential to become a weed outside its natural habitat.
Read the rest of this article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksia_integrifolia
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1594:
The King of Navarre was crowned King Henry IV of France at the
Cathedral of Chartres near Paris, beginning the Bourbon dynasty.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_IV_of_France)
1617:
Rise of Sweden as a Great Power: Sweden signed the Treaty of Stolbovo
to end the Ingrian War with Russia, making large territorial gains.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Stolbovo)
1801:
Washington, D.C. was placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S.
Congress.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Washington%2C_D.C.)
1933:
The Reichstag building was set on fire, a pivotal event in the
establishment of the Nazi regime in Germany.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichstag_fire)
1976:
The Polisario Front proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in
Western Sahara.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polisario_Front)
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Wikiquote of the day:
Lives of great men all remind usWe can make our lives sublime,And
departing, leave behind usFootprints on the sands of time. Footprints,
that perhaps another, Sailing o'er life's solemn main,A forlorn and
shipwrecked brother,Seeing, shall take heart again. Let us, then, be
up and doing.With a heart for any fate;Still achieving, still
pursuing,Learn to labor and to wait. -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
(
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Henry_Wadsworth_Longfellow)