 Banksia prionotes grows as a tree up to 10 m ( 30 ft ) high in southern parts of its distribution , but in northern parts it is usually a shorter tree or spreading shrub , reaching about 4 m ( 13 ft ) in height ; it diminishes in size as the climate becomes warmer and dryer further north . It has thin , mottled grey , smooth or grooved bark , and tomentose young stems . The alternate dull green leaves are 15 – 27 cm ( 6 – 11 in ) long , and 1 – 2 centimetres ( 1 ⁄ 3 – 2 ⁄ 3 in ) wide , with toothed leaf margins made up of triangular lobes , and often a wavy surface . 
