Grevillea robusta A.Cunn. ex R.Br.
Vernacular name: Silver oak
Species Name: Grevillea robusta A.Cunn. ex R.Br.
Family: Proteaceae
Habit: Tall Perennial Tree
Stem: Greyish brown bark
Leaf: deeply pinnatisect, linear, entire or pinnatifid, softly pubescent, silverish beneath.
Flowering: March-May
Flowers: Panicles inflorescence, bisexual flowers, Orange red
Fruit: Black, leathery seed capsules
Propagation: Seed
Uses:
- Bark and leaves are used for headaches, sore throats, toothaches, flu and dizziness in traditional medicines and folk remedies.
- A great quantity of leaves fall in the spring immediately preceding the emergence of new growth and leaves also fall sporadically throughout the year, creating quite a litter problem to some people but makes it a good ornamental plant.
- It is planted as intercropping plant mostly with coffee and tea plantation as it provides shade and leaf litter that can be used as nutrient rich mulch and is a natural nitrogen fixer.
- Extensive root system makes it a good choice for reforestation and erosion control.
- Flowers are a rich source of nectar which can be directly sucked from the flower, shaken into a bowl or washed out in a small amount of water (honey production).
- Wood is strong durable and goes under trade name “lacewood” that is used in manufacturing of cabinets, veneer, parquetry, fence posts and railway ties.
- It is an excellent source of firewood as less smoke and glowing charcoal.
- Natural gum has potential as adhesive.
