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Description
Grevillea Robusta, commonly known as the Silky Oak, is a fast-growing evergreen tree that belongs to the Proteaceae family. It is native to the eastern coast of Australia, from Queensland to Victoria. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall in its natural habitat, but it is often pruned to a smaller size when grown as an ornamental plant. The Silky Oak produces a profusion of golden-yellow flowers during the spring and summer months, which are attractive to birds and insects. The flowers are followed by woody seed pods that contain small, winged seeds. The tree has a shallow root system, which makes it susceptible to wind damage during storms.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Genus | Grevillea |
Appearance
The Silky Oak has a distinctive appearance with its fern-like foliage and golden-yellow flowers. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and up to 30 cm long. The flowers are held in clusters at the ends of the branches, and each flower has a long, curved style that protrudes from the center. The seed pods are up to 20 cm long and contain numerous small, winged seeds.
Care Guide
Grevillea Robusta is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements.Water: The Silky Oak prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. The tree can tolerate drought conditions, but it should not be overwatered.Fertilization: The tree benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.Soil: Grevillea Robusta prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will produce fewer flowers.Hardiness Zones: Grevillea Robusta is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Silky Oak is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be affected by some common issues.Pests: The tree is susceptible to spider mites, scales, and mealybugs. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Diseases: The tree can be affected by root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Avoid overwatering and ensure good soil drainage.
Habitat
Grevillea Robusta is native to the eastern coast of Australia, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, eucalyptus forests, and open woodlands. The tree is often planted as an ornamental plant in other parts of the world, including the United States.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Grevillea Robusta grow?
A: The Silky Oak is a fast-growing tree and can grow up to 3 meters per year in ideal conditions.Q: Can Grevillea Robusta tolerate drought conditions?
A: Yes, the tree can tolerate drought conditions, but it should not be overwatered.Q: What is the best time of year to prune Grevillea Robusta?
A: The best time to prune the tree is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.Q: Is Grevillea Robusta a good plant for attracting wildlife?
A: Yes, the tree’s flowers are attractive to birds and insects.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Grevillea genus include:
- Grevillea Lanigera
- Grevillea Juniperina
- Grevillea Rosmarinifolia
- Grevillea Poorinda
References
- Flora of Australia Online, Grevillea Robusta A.Cunn. ex R.Br., accessed 28 July 2021.
- University of Florida IFAS Extension, Grevillea Robusta: Silky Oak, accessed 28 July 2021.
- Australian Plants Online, Grevillea Robusta, accessed 28 July 2021.
