Galls on Banksia
This is my Banksia integrifolia, an Oz native, so I realise that not many here may have experience with it. But maybe the gall is familiar to someone?
This pic shows the healthy tree with the flowers in all stages of development, from birth to seed disposal, then ultimately death...
(Click on pics to enlarge)
These next ones show the developing individual green seed capsules, then the empty "cones" after the seeds have been released.
But this is the problem. There are dozens like this on the tree now. I did notice many wasps in the tree some months ago, but all my research says they are searching for insects, not laying eggs. I did cut open some of the galls, but only found normal seeds inside, and no sign of insect life. Any idea what they are? Tree is in excellent health, so I just want to satisfy my curiosity...
Comments (8)
shaxhome (Frog Rock, Australia 9b)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRelated Discussions
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Sara Malone (Zone 9b)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoYou are so right. But maybe there is crossover? Although a lot of these insect/plant relationships are species specific. I would think that down there in Oz is your best bet to get info. We don't have the same insects here, even if we can grow the plants. My star Banksia is Banksia spinulosa 'Schnapper Point'. It has about 30-40 blooms on it right now. Here's a close up of a few:
shaxhome (Frog Rock, Australia 9b)
7 years agoThat'd be Schnapper Point ;>)
A beautiful specimen you have there. I grew it when I lived in Melbourne, but too hot and dry for it where I live now. Easier for me to grow trees than shrubs now. Although Grevilleas seem to like it here better.
I've sent my gall query to a couple of local botanic gardens...
G. hookeriana
G. endlicheriana
G. "Moonlight"
Sara Malone (Zone 9b)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoshaxhome (Frog Rock, Australia 9b) thanked Sara Malone (Zone 9b)
davidrt28 (zone 7)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoshaxhome (Frog Rock, Australia 9b) thanked davidrt28 (zone 7)shaxhome (Frog Rock, Australia 9b)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agodavidrt28 (zone 7)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years ago
Sara Malone (Zone 9b)