Joseph Banks and Plants

Brief Information about Joseph Banks Also known as Sir Joseph Banks for his work Is famous for being a naturalist and a botanist Took part in Captain James Cook First Voyage Introduced different plants to the western world such as eucalyptus, acacia, mimosa and named after him, Banksia. Approximately 80 species of plants bear Banks's name Discovered 1300 new species of plants Famous quote by Joseph Banks: 'collection of plants was... grown so immensely large that it was necessary that some extraordinary care should be taken of them least they should spoil...'

Four Plants in Focus today: Eucalyptus Acacia Mimosa Banksia

Eucalyptus…… Eucalyptus, from the Greek words eu -, well, and kaluptos, cover, meaning "well-covered", describes the operculum More than 700 species of Eucalyptus, mostly native to Australia, and a very small number are found in adjacent areas of New Guinea and Indonesia Takes the form of a low shrub or a very large tree Eucalyptus oil is the most common use of eucalyptus and is readily steam distilled from the leaves and can be used for cleaning and as an industrial solvent, as an antiseptic, for deodorising, and in very small quantities in food supplements, especially sweets, cough drops, toothpastes and decongestants. Can also be used for honey. The nectar of some eucalypts produces high-quality monofloral honey. Eucalypt wood is also commonly used to make digeridoos, a traditional Australian Aboriginal wind instrument.

Acacia….. Acacia is the Arabic name for gum. There are over 1300 species of Acacias. About 960 Acacias are native to Australia. Acacia seeds are often used for food and a variety of other products. Acacia species have possible uses in folk medicine. The ancient Egyptians used Acacia in paints. Acacias are linked to the mimosa family (you will discover this in the next slide)

Mimosa…… Mimosa comes from the Greek word mimos, meaning ‘mimic’. There are 400 species of herbs and shrubs within this family. This plant is capable of rapid movement and when you touch it, the leaves of the plant closes quickly. They come in a cluster of many individual mimosas, not individually. The mimosa tree bark can be used as a herbal medicine. It is a medicinal plant for colds, fever, toothaches, eye medicine, snakebite, weak heart and diarrhoea. Mimosa can be used for timber in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand Used to feed animals because it has a high protein content.

Banksia….. Named after Joseph Banks Only 170 species. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting "cones" and heads. These plants are heavy producers of nectars and have the following animals rely on them for survival - birds, bats, rats, possums, stingless bees and a host of invertebrates They are becoming rare and endangered due to land clearing, frequent burning and diseases. Popular garden plants in Australia because of their large, showy flower heads, and because the large amounts of nectar they produce attracts birds and small mammals. Occasionally used for ornamental purposes in wood turning and cabinet paneling because the banksia wood is often red in colour.