Common Name: Fern-leaved Grevillea

General Information

Grevillea pteridifolia is a variable, evergreen plant - sometimes a shrub only 2 metres tall, it can also grow into a tree up to 14 metres tall, rarely it adopts a prostrate habit[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild as a source of edible nectar and materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia.

Habitat

Found in a wide range of habitats including eucalypt woodland, heath, and openings in sub-rainforest scrub; often in moister sites such as floodplains, near swamps or creeks but also on ridges and slopes[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Birds
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of tropical areas, where it is found at elevations from 250 - 2,000 metres[]. It grows best in areas with a mean annual rainfall of 1,000 - 1,500 mm[]. The plant tolerates some frost and can withstand a dry season of 6 - 8 months[].
In the wild the plant usually grows on sandy soils, occasionally on clay-loams[]. Plants are suitable for planting on wasteland soils with a texture varying from pulverized lateritic soil to sandy loam, including loose soils on dumps of coal and bauxite mines, where it regenerates spontaneously[].
The plant sets copious amounts of seed and has weed potential outside its native range[].
The coppicing ability of Grevillea pteridifolia is poor[].
The plant can flower all year round[].

Edible Uses

The flowers are a very rich source of nectar. The nectar can be licked from the flowers, or they can be soaked in water to make a sweet drink[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is an effective wind-break[].
Plants are suitable for planting on wasteland soils with a texture varying from pulverized lateritic soil to sandy loam, including loose soils on dumps of coal and bauxite mines, where it regenerates spontaneously[].

Other Uses

The dried foliage has been used as an elastic stuffing for mattresses[].

The wood is a source of fuel wood and poles[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak in water for 24 hours prior to sowing. Germination usually takes 25 - 30 days. Seedlings are ready for planting when they are 10 - 15 cm tall and bearing 7 - 8 leaves[].
Suckers, planted out at any time that the soil is moist enough.

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