Banksia is a member of the protea (Proteaceae) family and is a genus of around 75 species of evergreen shrubs and trees that feature attractive foliage, bold flowering spikes, and interesting fruiting cones. These woody low-growing shrubs to low-branching trees are endemic to Australia, with just one species, Banksia dentata, extending from northern Australia to New Guinea. The genus is named for Sir Joseph Banks (17431820), the renowned English botanist who first documented the plants on his travels around Australia with Captain Cook, and who was one of the founders of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Banksias vary from prostrate shrubs to low-branching trees. They are sturdy plants, often with a stout trunk. Typically they have long, leathery, coarsely toothed leaves, though a few species have finer or more needle-like foliage. Cylindrical or globular spikes are densely packed with hundreds of small flowers. The individual thread-like blooms are long lasting and nectar-rich. As the flowers die they develop into large, woody, fruiting cones. Flowering time varies, depending on the species.

http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/plant-finder/banksia/9441934