Banksias were named after the botanist Sir Joseph Banks, who was aboard Captain James Cook's Endeavour when they "discovered" the East Coast of Australia in April 1770.

The Endeavour landed at Kurnell in Botany Bay on 29th April - which would have been an ideal time to see the Banksias in flower.

Three of the specimens collected, and drawn by Sydney Parkinson on the voyage, are included in this web site. They are -

• Banksia integrifolia - Coast Banksia
• Banksia ericifolia - Heath or Heath-Leaved Banksia
• Banksia serrata - Old Man Banksia or Saw-toothed Banksia

There are about 80 Banksias in Australia, most being in Western Australia. Only a dozen or so are on the East Coast.