Banksia quercifolia

This evergreen shrub of the family Proteaceae typically grows to between two and four metres in height, characterised by its distinctive serrated, holly-like leaves and cylindrical golden-brown flower spikes that appear mainly in autumn and winter. Following flowering, woody follicle-bearing cones develop and persist on the plant, releasing seed after fire or plant death, a common regenerative strategy among Banksia species. The flowers provide nectar for birds, mammals, and insects, making the species a contributor to pollinator networks within its native range.

Banksia quercifolia is endemic to southwestern Australia, occurring in forest, shrubland, and inland wetland habitats such as bogs, marshes, swamps, and fens, typically on sandy or peaty soils that remain seasonally moist.

The species faces ongoing pressure from habitat clearing for housing and urban expansion, as well as conversion of land for annual and perennial non-timber agricultural crops. Broader ecosystem modifications, including altered hydrology and fire regimes, have degraded remaining habitat patches. The species is also affected by *Phytophthora cinnamomi*, a soil-borne pathogen causing dieback in susceptible Proteaceae, which continues to reduce population viability across its range.

Shifting climatic conditions are further altering suitable habitat extent.

Conservation efforts include habitat protection within reserves, monitoring of dieback-affected populations, restrictions on vehicle and foot traffic to limit pathogen spread, and inclusion in regional recovery and biodiversity planning frameworks in Western Australia.

The population trend is currently decreasing, with continued habitat loss and disease pressure likely to sustain this decline unless management interventions are strengthened. The species remains classified as Vulnerable, reflecting ongoing but not yet critical risk to its long-term persistence.