| Abstract: | The germination characteristics of Banksia integrifolia L.f., B. serrata L.f. and B. aemula R.Br. were investigated. No significant response was found to light exposure, seed coat and substrate treatments. The three species showed marked and differing sensitivities to the temperature regime of germination. Germination character curves allowing the interpretation of temperature maxima, minima, the span between them, and optimal conditions for minimal incubation periods are presented. These were for B. integrifolia cool day temperatures < 21°C but in excess of 14°C coupled with night temperatures between 5°C and 21°C; for B. serrata a narrow range of temperatures between 18°C and 24°C; for B. aemula warm day temperatures 25–37°C coupled with night temperatures in the range 18–28°C. The geographical distribution of these species is related to germination requirements and some aspects of the seasonality of establishment environments are discussed. |
