[SYANBS] Banksia ilicifolia

[tarlek]

This is probably my favorite banksia species. I went out north of Perth to look at a b. ilicifolia woodland and found some nice old trees. New shoots seem to go straight up, but older branches seem to lose vigor and start doing the opposite. Unfortunately the road dust seems to be affecting these trees.
Here's one right next to the road that's died. A silver lining is that we get to see the structure a little better.



This one was probably my favorite. The attenuata next to it is cool as well:


Here's a big old tree:


And another:


One more:


Here's my seeds:

Here's my seedlings:


Seeds were from australianseed.com.au. 4/5 germination so far with one left ripening on spagnum moss (sometimes I peel seed coats off if it seems like a seed is stalling out, you can save them this way)

I'll update once they're bigger. Might germinate another batch as they're a cool species, unfortunately the seeds are pricey so I'm on the fence

[Patmet]

These are one of my favourite WA banksia. I think they could be incredible as bonsai if managed well. I've also had a young plant of ilicifolia that unfortunately ended up deteriorating and dying after a repot. Once again I highly suspect over watering. These guys are super susceptible to dieback/root rot. I see many of them dying from this in nature at home. I think healthy roots will be the biggest challenge. Good luck!