Southern Silky Oak

By Geoff Holloway

 Southern Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta) grows to 35 metres and 1 metre diameter, has a straight trunk with grey fissured bark, distinctive fern like silvery foliage and yellow/orange flowers. The heartwood is pinkish brown with prominent medullary rays, pale sapwood not clearly distinguishable, the grain is straight and attractive when quarter sawn and with a medium density of 640kg/m3 it is easy to work but harder to get a good finish because of the open grain.

The wood is used for furniture, flooring, interior panelling, cabinet work, coach building, doors, window frames, plywood, veneer, turning and craft work. Silky Oaks are often found in suburban back yards in Ipswich, standing tall above other species and providing a brilliant display when in flower.