Acanthus-leaved grevillea

Grevillea acanthifolia is an erect or spreading shrub which usually grows to a height of 0.5 m (2 ft) but sometimes to 3 m (10 ft) tall and 4 m (10 ft) wide. The leaves have 9 to 14 main lobes and are 4–9 cm (2–4 in) long and 3–7 cm (1–3 in) wide, each lobe sometimes further divided and linear to triangular or wedge-shaped with a sharp tip. The leaves are bright green, stiff and prickly.

The flowers are arranged in one-sided, "toothbrush"-like group, 3–10 cm (1–4 in) long. The small sepals and petals are pale green to grey and hairy on the outside and glabrous inside. The style is 20–28 mm (0.8–1 in) long and red, tipped with a green pollen presenter. Flowering occurs throughout the year but mainly from October to February and the fruit that follows is a hairy follicle with reddish markings.

This grevillea only grows in New South Wales, usually at higher altitudes and in wet or boggy areas.

Subspecies acanthifolia of this grevillea is grown in some gardens but is sometimes unreliable at low altitudes. It grows best in a sunny position and is tolerant of heavy frosts.

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