12 September 2010

Grevillea plurijuga subsp. superba

Click image to enlarge

Grevillea plurijuga subsp. superba


Of the two Grevillea plurijuga subspecies, subsp. superba is generally taller and more upright to 2-3 metres (6'-10'). The flowers tend to be more numerous and slightly larger than subsp. plurijuga, often around 5 cm (2") in total length. They are situated differently too, being on a long more vertical flowering stem with the flowers standing ABOVE the foliage. The leaf segments are also thicker, which is another feature that distinguishes this subspecies.

Grevillea plurijuga, subsp. superba is common to the north of Esperance and the NE around Mt Ridley, where it can be found in shrubby mallee heath, on sandy loams especially when over limestone. The large red flowers attract honeyeating birds between October and December.