Banksia serrata variability

[NBPCA]

Hi everyone,

At the collection there are two Banksia serrata and one Banksia aemula.

At my home there are two Banksia serrata.

Five Banksia in all. Look at how variable the leaves can be. One has an extremely long leaf and wont reduce even after partial defoliation nor branch prolifically, whereas others are short leafed and branch and bud back everywhere.

Which is the Banksia aemula? It used to be called serratafolia for good reason.

Two of the serrata get a real twist to the leaf as well but they are not sick.

Anyhow, I found it interesting

Banksia leaves.JPG

[craigw60]

Hi Grant,
Plenty of scope for selecting good forms for bonsai in that species.
Craig

[Joel]

Hi Grant,

Im Guessing the bottom left is the B. aemula?

Is there any link between the variations in leaf size/shape and bark texture?

Joel.

[Grant Bowie]

Hi Grant,

Im Guessing the bottom left is the B. aemula?

Is there any link between the variations in leaf size/shape and bark texture?

Joel.

Hi Joel,

The Banksia aemula (syn B serratafolia or Wallum or Swamp Banksia) in my selection is actually top left. It is the smallest and most regular leafed of all the Banksia compared to the other 4 serrata. It grows in varying coastal areas from Sydney to Bundaberg. (Remember all are in pots and not in the garden or their natural environment)

As to leaf size to bark texture; Craig Ws banksia(middle top) is large of trunk, lumpy but smoothish bark and smallish leaf.

Lower left is largest leaf, lumpy of trunk and roughish of bark, but buds the least.

Probably not enough of a selection to make scientific determinations from but hey.

Grant

[EdwardH]

Hi Grant,

Don't you just love the variation in Banksia? Thanks for sharing.

[Joel]

Hmmmmmm. That is interesting.

Thanks Grant!
Joel

[Grant Bowie]

Hi all,

I am doing some experiments with Banksia serrata species and Banksia serrata "Pygmy Possum" (a natural dwarf form of serrata) at the moment but it will be a while before I post.

I have been asked if I defoliate B serrata to get smaller leaves and the answer is no. I cut back hard; wait for the new growth to emerge then cut off the remaining old leaves.

However; does anyone out there defoliate B serrata? Why? and results?

You certainly can chop them down to a stump for "creation pruning" or cut back extremely hard to recover a gangly tree but I am talking here more about regular maintenance for a healthy show quality tree.

Thanks

Grant

[craigw60]

Hi Grant I am more inclined to semi-defoliate mine leaving one or two leaves on each twig, I have not found a big advantage in complete defoliation, but have not doubt they can take it.
Jarrod and I repotted the big integrifolia on sunday and put it into a new pot. It looks so much better.
Craigw

[NBPCA]

Hi Grant I am more inclined to semi-defoliate mine leaving one or two leaves on each twig, I have not found a big advantage in complete defoliation, but have not doubt they can take it.
Jarrod and I repotted the big integrifolia on sunday and put it into a new pot. It looks so much better.
Craigw

Ooh! Pictures please! I think that is far and away the best Banksia integrifolia I have ever seen and it was a delight to look after for 12 months.

What potting mix did you use?

Grant