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Isopogon and Petrophile

The two genera Isopogon and Petrophile are closely related and many are spectacular in flower. They also have a wide variety of leaf shapes, some being flat and wide, others being very narrow and divided into lobes.

They are mainly plants of southern Australia with only a few species occurring in sub-tropical areas. The greatest diversity occurs in south-western Australia and it is these species that have caused the most difficulty in cultivation in eastern states of Australia.

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Isopogon & Petrophile Study Group

This Study Group was formed originally with the aim of studying the cultivation and propagation of the related genera Isopogon & Petrophile, members of the protea family of plants (the Proteaceae), so that more species could be seen in gardens.

Reports from Study Group members have assisted in assessing the suitability of various species for cultivation in a range of climatic zones.  The group has produced numerous newsletters which document cultivation issues, propagation methods and natural occurrences of different species.

Further information about the Study Group, its activities and access to the newsletter archive can be found at the link below.

***Click here to go to the Hakea Study Group***

***Click here to go to the Isopogon & Petrophile Study Group***

Isopogon & Petrophile – Further Information

Most books dealing with Australian native plants will contain useful information on the botany and horticulture of isopogons and petrophiles. There are also a number of relevant resources on the internet. Some of the most detailed references are listed below.

Books:

  • Elliot, W. R and Jones D (1990), The Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants, Vol.5, Lothian Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Melbourne.
  • Elliot, W. R and Jones D (1997), The Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants, Vol.7, Lothian Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Melbourne.
  • George, A.S (1984). An Introduction to the Proteaceae of Western Australia, Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst.
  • Wrigley, J and Fagg, M (1989), Banksias, Waratahs and Grevilleas, Collins Publishers Australia.

Journals:

Several issues of the Society’s journal “Australian Plants” are particularly useful for those interested in Isopogon and Petrophile.

  • Vol 6, No.46 March 1971; Isopogon (western)
  • Vol 13, No.104 September 1985; Isopogon and Petrophile of New South Wales.
  • Vol 13, No.104 September 1985; Isopogon and Petrophile from Seed.
  • Vol 19, No.149 December 1996; Petrophile (Conesticks) – a comprehensive guide to the genus.

Internet:

  • Esperance Wildflowers – Descriptions and photographs for several Western Australian species of Isopogon.
  • Esperance Wildflowers – Descriptions and photographs for several Western Australian species of Petrophile.
  • Growing Native Plants – a series of plant profiles by the Australian National Botanic Gardens; includes a number of Isopogon species.
  • Isopogon and Petrophile – an introduction to the two genera
  • Isopogon and Petrophile – another introduction to the two genera
  • Isopogon and Petrophile in Seed Notes for Western Australia – pdf document covering geographic distribution and habitat, reproductive biology, seed collection and germination – not just Western Australian species.
  • Isopogon fletcheri – a vulnerable species from the Blue Mountains