Variability in cut flower production of Banksia coccinea R.Br. and Banksia menziesii R.Br. at six locations in southern Australia

Abstract

Cut flower production from seedling plants of Banksia coccinea and B. menziesii was investigated on 6 commercial plantations in southern Australia (3 in each of South Australia and Western Australia). Both species exhibited variability in the total number of blooms produced per plant, bloom quality, stem and inflorescence length of the harvested bloom, and the time of production within the flowering season. Production of B. coccinea in South Australia extended from July to October, with most blooms harvested in September. Blooms on B. menziesii were produced over an 8-month period from March to October, with peak production in March-April. Each species showed some abnormal floret development. There were significant (P<0.001) between-site differences in B. coccinea for the number of blooms produced and the proportion which were abnormal. Maximum production (average 75.3 blooms per bush) was recorded near Albany, Western Australia, close to the natural habitat of B. coccinea. In comparison, few blooms (average 3.2 per bush) were produced at Muchea, Western Australia.