Grevillea robusta, commonly known as silver oak, is a native of eastern coastal Australia. It is a fast-growing evergreen tree, between 18 and 35 m tall, reaching diameters in excess of 1 m. It grows best in subtropical and dry rainforest environments receiving an average rainfall of more than 1,000 mm per year. In the coffee and tea estates of India, silver oak is the most popular shade tree. It grows straight up to 20 metres with sparse branches and fingery leaves, allowing 75% sunlight to allow sufficient sunlight to intercrops. Silver oak roots are comparatively non-competitive with coffee or pepper, which go inside up to 5 metres. Silver oak is the best supporting tree to grow pepper because of its non-slippery surface and fast-growing nature.

Silver oak is a medium quality timber extensively used for joinery and furniture, often as a substitute for oak. It is moderately durable and resistant to preservative treatment. Before the advent of aluminium, Grevillea robusta timber was widely used for external windows because of its resistance to wood rot. It is suitable for cabinets and panelling, shop fitting and fancy goods. It is extensively used in furniture. It has resistance to abrasion and is excellent for block and strip flooring too. As a soft wood, it is used as packing material. With the rise in the demand for wood, silver oak is turning to be a good choice. Currently in India, it is extensively used in the manufacture of plywood.