PROTEACEAE

Horny Cone-bush

Vulnerable 

0.6m (60cm) 

Flowerheads terminal, yellow flowers to 2cm long, without hairs except for hairy tuft at tip. 

Nuts 

Dwarf to small shrub with thick woody rootstock, forming dense prickly tufts. 

Flinders Island; King Island 

Islands of bass strait 

Local in the islands of Bass Strait. Occasionally found on sandy clays which may be subject to extreme wetness but prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils. 

Moist 

Moderate 

Clay; Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Sandy; Well-drained 

Best in dappled shade but will tolerate full sun. Rarely needs pruning. Very susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Suitable below powerlines. 

Seed is enclosed in small round cones which turn from green to brown as seeds mature. as cone ages outside scales fall off releasing seeds. cones retained throughout the year. collect oldest cones to ensure mature seed 

Standard 

 

 

Store cones for 1-2 weeks in a warm place to release seed. Force may be needed to break up cone but seeds will separate easily afterthat. Protect light seeds from blowing away. Requires no treatment and has 40-70% germination. 

3-6 weeks 

 

 

 

No 

Cuttings are difficult to obtain. Slender firm young growth roots readily. Regrowth after fire or disturbance usually strikes well.