Banksia integrifolia subsp. monticola
Banksia integrifolia" subsp. "monticola, commonly known as White Mountain banksia, is a subspecies of "Banksia integrifolia". Described in 1994, it occurs in the Blue Mountains and in northern New South Wales. It contains the largest recorded "Banksia" trees. Description. "B. integrifolia" subsp. "monticola" is similar to "B. integrifolia" subsp. "integrifolia", but differs in having longer, narrower leaves, and follicles that are more deeply embedded in the old flower spike. Follicles are less likely to open spontaneously. Inflorescences are similar to those of subspecies "integrifolia", but may be pink-tinged in some localities, notably in Barrington Tops  National Park. This subspecies contains the largest recorded "Banksia" specimens, with trees in Washpool National Park growing to 35 metres (110 feet) high. It is the most frost tolerant banksia tree of all. Taxonomy. For many years this subspecies was considered a mountain form of "B. integrifolia" subsp. "compar", although it is now known to be closer to "B. integrifolia" subsp. "integrifolia" both phenetically and genetically. It was identified as a separate subspecies in Gwen Harden's 1991 publication "Flora of New South Wales", but Harden did not publish a name for it, instead referring to it as ""Banksia integrifolia  subsp. A. In 1994, Kevin Thiele confirmed its status as a subspecies, and published it as "Banksia integrifolia" subsp. "monticola" K.R.Thiele. The subspecies epithet "monticola" refers to its montane distribution, and is a Latin word meaning "dweller in the mountains". Distribution and habitat. Unlike the other "B. integrifolia" subspecies, "B. integrifolia" subsp. "monticola" occurs well inland, in the Blue Mountains between Mount Wilson and the New England National Park. It grows in fertile soils derived from igneous rock at altitudes above 650 metres, whereas the other subspecies occur only at altitudes below 500 metres, and are generally associated with infertile  soils derived from sedimentary rock. Cultivation and uses. It is valued because of its frost hardiness. It has been planted in England.