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>
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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>
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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>
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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>
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