Grevillea willisii is a shrub species which is endemic to the eastern highlands of Victoria, in Australia.[2] Common names include Omeo grevillea and rock grevillea.[2]

Grevillea willisii
Grevillea willisii, Bundara River, Alpine National Park, Victoria
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Proteales
Family:	Proteaceae
Genus:	Grevillea
Species:	G. willisii
Binomial name
Grevillea willisii R.V.Sm. & McGill.[1]

It has a spreading habit, growing to 2–4.5 m (6.6–14.8 ft) high, with a generally grey-green appearance.[2][3] The leaves are slightly prickly and deeply lobed. Both the undersides of the leaves and the stems are covered by dense, light-coloured hairs.[3] Flowers appear in terminal spikes between September and January (early spring to mid summer) in its native range.[2] These have cream perianths and pale yellow styles. The fruits have contrasting dark streaks.[3]

The species was first formally described in 1975 in the journal Muelleria.[1] The specific epithet honours James Hamlyn Willis, the Government Botanist of Victoria.[3]

Two forms are recognised:

• A shorter-leaved (type) form. This occurs to the north and east of Omeo.
• A longer-leaved form from the south of Corryong, which has scented flowers.[2]

A former subspecies G. willisii subsp. pachylostyla, from the upper reaches of the Buchan River, was promoted to species status (Grevillea pachylostyla) in 1994.[4]

G. willisii occurs on rocky granite outcrops and near streams in the vicinity of the Mitta Mitta River and Nariel and Wheelers Creek.[2]

The species has a ROTAP listing as "2RC-".[5] It is listed as "Rare in Victoria" on the Department of Sustainability and Environment's Advisory List of Rare Or Threatened Plants In Victoria.[6]

Cultivation

Plants may be grown to attract birds to a garden, providing both protection for nests and a source of nectar. Plants are occasionally affected by leaf miners or chlorosis of the leaves. The species may be propagated by semi-mature cuttings, which may take up to 5 months to produce roots.[3]

The hybrid cultivar Grevillea 'Poorinda Anticipation' is a cross between G. longifolia and G. willisii.[7] Grevillea 'Poorinda Royal Mantle' is a vigorous cultivar that was bred by Victorian plantsman Leo Hodge and registered in 1978; it is thought to be a hybrid between G. willisii and G laurifolia.[8]

References