AusBonsai

For a long time I have believed this tree to be b.integrifolia, when compared the leaves always look the right shape (perhaps a little broader and darker in colour) it always looks healthier than all 4 of my other integrifolia because of the darkish leaves. The other difference is the bark which has a smooth texture

here are some others which are identified

Hi Gerard,

Try B. oblongifolia.

I still cant tell the difference between it and integrifolia. Maybe its the dark growth and smooth bark?

Squizz

Check with Grant Bowie - I'm sure I remember him talking about 2 varieties of Coastal Banksia

Not too sure about the identification of the Marginata either; the trunk looks rougher and the leaves also wrong. Will check

With Integrifolia there are three varieties; B Integrifolia var integrifolia, var compar and var monticola; and I am not sure it is any of them. The bark looks like the species but the leaves do not.

I will also do some checking.

Grant

Your banksia in question could be B integrifolia var compar; in my opinion the best of the B integrifolia group( I would also include B paludosa and oblongifolia in that group.) It is the tree in my avatar and the bark is smoothish when young but becomes corky or rough with age. All my B integrifolia var compar are cuttings from my avatar tree so I do not know how variable it is from seed.

The marginata has me stumped! It just doesn't look right but they are hugely variable species and so it could be one. Check paludosa as it would be my other choice,

grant

So Grant does that mean that oblongifolia is classed as an integrifolia var compar or are you just saying they are in your group of favored trees?

Like I said I cant tell the difference. What is it exactly?

Cheers

Squizz

Thanks Grant, I knew you would have an answer

squizzy wrote:So Grant does that mean that oblongifolia is classed as an integrifolia var compar or are you just saying they are in your group of favored trees?

Like I said I cant tell the difference. What is it exactly?

Cheers

Squizz

I was just meaning that there are a number of Banksia that seem similar in look and character in my opinion to b integrifolia and among them are paludosa and oblongifolia( and others). and you need to consider the whole lot; just like a B serrata could instead be B ameula , or even a hybrid at the borders where they cross over.

grant

Ok cheers

Squizz