Family:	Proteaceae
	Distribution:	Open forests from south-east Queensland to Wilsons Promontory in southern Victoria.
	Common Name:	Hairpin Banksia
	Derivation of Name:	Banksia...after Sir Joseph Banks. cunninghamii...After Alan Cunningham, a botanical collector.
	Conservation Status:	Not considered to be at risk in the wild.

General Description:

Banksia cunninghamii is closely related to B.spinulosa and, until recently, it was regarded as a variety of B.spinulosa. Opinion is divided on whether it is distinct enough to warrant species status; some authorities point out that inflorescences are very similar to B. spinulosa, whereas others have mentioned the fact that it has a very distinct habit and shares large areas of land in common with B. spinulosa without naturally hybridizing with it.

B.cunninghamii is usually a taller plant than B.spinulosa and may reach 6 metres high in ideal conditions. Unlike the varieties of B.spinulosa, B.cunninghamii lacks a lignotuber and relies on seed dispersal for regeneration.

The flower spikes are 75-100 mm wide, up to 450 mm long and yellow or orange in colour. This is one of a group of banksias with "hooked" styles projecting from the axis of the flower spike. In B.cunninghamii these styles are usually black in colour and this has given rise to the common name of "Hairpin Banksia", which is more commonly applied to B.spinulosa. The styles may also be reddish or yellow. The seeds are enclosed in follicles attached to a woody cone and are generally retained within the cone until burnt.

B.cunninghamii has proven to be reliable in gardens in a wide range of districts. The species prefers moist, well drained soils in sun or semi-shade and is tolerant of moderate to heavy frosts. An attractive cultivar is known as "Lemon Glow" which features yellow flowers with yellow styles.

Propagation from seed or cuttings is relatively easy. However, named cultivars must only be propagated from cuttings as they do not come true from seed.