Other Names: Saw-toothed  Banksia, Orange Banksia
Botanical Name: Banksia prionotes
Family: PROTEACEAE
Flowering Period: February to August
Native to: Western Australia from Albany to the Murchison.

This species shares the common name, ‘Acorn Banksia’ with Banksia hookeriana. ‘Acorn’ is a name that fits the description of the 10-15 cm long, whitish-gray and orange flower spikes of this species – as it does equally for many other Banksia.

In this species the flowers first start to open from the bottom of the spike giving it a typical 'acorn' shape. The common name ‘Saw-toothed’ is equally well suited. Many Banksia leaves have serrated edges. However, few have the well defined saw- tooth pattern of B. prionotes. The botanical name ‘prionotes’ is from the Greek and means ‘saw-like’.

The Acorn Banksia is the fastest growing Banksia in the Perth area where it appears mainly north of the Swan River as it grows best in yellow sand where Tuart (Eucalyptus gomphocephala), begins to give way to Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata).

This is an important food source for native nectar-feeding birds.

Location in the Zoo: In the Banksia Garden at the ‘top’ end of the Zoo.