Grevillea robusta

Grevillea is a diverse genus of evergreen flowering plants in the protea family (Proteaceae). The species of grevilleas range from low shrubs to tall trees. Many species are cultivated for their distinctive foliage and showy flowers.

Grevillea robusta, more commonly known as the Silk Oak or Australian Silver Oak, is a native of eastern coastal Australia. It is a fast growing evergreen tree, between 18 and 30m tall with dark green delicately dented two-pinnatifid leaves reminiscent of a fern frond. These leaves are generally 15 to 30cm long with greyish white or rusty undersides. Its flowers are golden-orange bottlebrush-like blooms, between 8 and 15 cm long, in the spring, on a 2 or 3cm long. The Silk Oak seeds in late winter to early spring in the Northern Hemisphere, fruiting on adrk brown leathery dehiscent follicles, about 2cm long, with one or two flat, winged seeds.

When young it can be grown as a house plant where it can tolerate light shade, but prefers full sun as it grows best in warm zones. If planted outside, young trees may need some protection on frosty nights. It needs occasional water but is otherwise fairly drought resistant.