tree in the genus Banksia. It occurs across northern Australia, southern
New Guinea and the Aru Islands. Growing as a gnarled tree to 7 m
(23 ft) high, it has large green leaves up to 22 cm (8.7 in) long
with toothed margins. The cylindrical yellow flower spikes, up to 13 cm
(5 in) high, appear over the cooler months, attracting honeyeaters,
sunbirds, the sugar glider and a variety of insects. Flowers fall off
the ageing spikes, which swell and develop follicles containing up to
two viable seeds each. Banksia dentata is one of the four original
Banksia species collected by Sir Joseph Banks in 1770 (1773 depiction
shown), and one of four species published in 1782 as part of Carolus
Linnaeus the Younger's original description of Banksia. Within the
genus, it is classified in the series Salicinae, a group of species from
Australia's eastern states. Genetic studies show it is an early offshoot
within the group. Banksia dentata is found in tropical grassland known
as savanna, associated with Pandanus and Melaleuca. It regenerates from
bushfire by regrowing from its woody base, known as a lignotuber.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksia_dentata>
_______________________________
Today's selected anniversaries:
1745:
War of the Austrian Succession: The French victory in the
Battle of Melle made their subsequent capture of Ghent possible.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Melle>
1877:
The inaugural Wimbledon Championship, the oldest tennis
tournament in the world, opened.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1877_Wimbledon_Championship>
1896:
Politician William Jennings Bryan made his Cross of Gold speech
advocating bimetallism, considered one of the greatest political
speeches in American history.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_Gold_speech>
1958:
A 516 m (1,693 ft) high megatsunami, the highest ever
recorded, struck Lituya Bay, Alaska, US.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958_Lituya_Bay_megatsunami>
1995:
Sri Lankan Civil War: After having advised civilians to take
shelter in places of worship, the Sri Lanka Air Force bombed a church in
Navaly, killing at least 125 people.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navaly_church_bombing>
_____________________________
Wiktionary's word of the day:
penitent:
1. Feeling pain or sorrow on account of sins or offenses; repentant;
contrite; sincerely affected by a sense of guilt, and resolved on
amendment of life.
2. Doing penance.
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/penitent>
___________________________
Wikiquote quote of the day:
 Truth shall be firmly established, while aught else besides
it is sure to perish.
--The Báb
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/B%C3%A1b>
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