and eastwards along the coast and about
100 miles inland at most.
"
Banksia Grandis grows as either a large
shrub or a small tree depending on its
location, either on the coastal plains or as
an understory tree in the eucalyptus forests.
"
The cones commonly used for woodturning
are the fruit body remains from the flower
head spike that blooms from October to
January. These cones can be from 4 to 16
inches long. Once the stunning, upright,
golden yellow or red flowers fall off, the
cone matures on the tree and the seeds
develop. Often it is the heat of a forest fire
that causes the seed case holes, which give
these pods their unique appearance, to
burst open and release their seeds."
"
"
Banksia Seed Pods are a truly renewable
resource, since no trees are cut down to
harvest the Pods. Working with Banksia
Pods is an adventure, but the results are
well worth the effort!"
Here are a few hints
for turning Banksia Pods
"
Explore your creativity, and be willing
to risk.
Banksia Pods are an unusual material that offers a
lot of possibilities, both for success and failure. Buy
an extra pod or 3 and don’t be afraid to lose one on
a new idea. The greatest successes come to those
who are not afraid to fail!
"
Choose the right pod for the project.
Not all pods are created equal. The lighter, browner
ones tend to be more sound inside. Whitish or
yellowish color can indicate a punky interior. Cracks
at the core will not yield a good finial, knob or stem,
but make a great lookin