Banksia oblongifolia, the fern-leaved banksia, is a many-stemmed shrub up to 3 m (9.8 ft) high, with leathery serrated leaves and rusty- coloured new growth. It is found along the eastern coast of Australia from Wollongong, New South Wales, in the south to Rockhampton, Queensland, in the north, generally growing in sandy soils in heath, open forest or swamp margins and wet areas. The yellow flower spikes commonly appear in autumn and early winter, developing up to 80 seed pods. The pods open and release seed when burnt, and the shrub resprouts from its woody lignotuber after bushfires. Spanish botanist Antonio José Cavanilles described B. oblongifolia in 1800. Two varieties were recognised in 1987, but these have not been generally accepted. A wide array of mammals, birds, and invertebrates visit the flower spikes. Though easily grown as a garden plant, the shrub is not commonly seen in horticulture.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksia_oblongifolia

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1777:

Mission Santa Clara de Asís, a Spanish mission that formed the basis of both the city of Santa Clara, California, and Santa Clara University, was established. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Santa_Clara_de_As%C3%ADs

1899:

During a storm, the crew of the Lynmouth Lifeboat Station transported their 10-ton lifeboat 15 mi (24 km) overland in order to rescue a damaged schooner. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynmouth_Lifeboat_Station

1969:

British rock band Led Zeppelin released their eponymous first album in the United States. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Led_Zeppelin_%28album%29

2007:

Comet McNaught reached perihelion and became the brightest comet in over 40 years with an apparent magnitude of −5.5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C/2006_P1

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

charlotte russe: A dessert of custard or whipped cream enclosed in sponge cake, often in the form of ladyfingers. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/charlotte_russe

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

Liberty, if I understand it at all, is a general principle, and the clear right of all the subjects within the realm, or of none. Partial freedom seems to me a most invidious mode of slavery. But, unfortunately, it is the kind of slavery the most easily admitted in times of civil discord; for parties are but too apt to forget their own future safety in their desire of sacrificing their enemies. People without much difficulty admit the entrance of that injustice of which they are not to be the immediate victims … great determined measures are not commonly so dangerous to freedom. They are marked with too strong lines to slide into use. … But the true danger is, when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts.   --Edmund Burke https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Edmund_Burke