Scientific Name: Isopogon ceratophyllus

Common Name: horny conebush

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Proteaceae

Threatened Species Status: Vulnerable

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: Dwarf to small shrub with thick woody rootstock, forming dense prickly tufts.

Height (m): 0.4 – 0.6

Flowers: Flower heads terminal, yellow flowers in spherical cones to 1.5-2cm in diameter, without hairs except for hairy tuft at tip.

Fruit: Nut – seed is enclosed in small round cones which turn from green to brown as seeds mature.

Municipality
FlindersKing Island
Plant Communities
Coastal VegetationHeath
Habitat Notes

Found on well-drained acidic, sandy or loamy soils in dry heathlands around the Furneaux Group. Occasionally found on sandy clays which may be subject to extreme wetness.

Site Tolerance

Moist

Soil Tolerance

Clay, Loam, Sandy, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Moderate

General Notes

Best in dappled shade but will tolerate full sun. Rarely needs pruning. Very susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Seed is enclosed in small round cones which turn from green to brown as seeds mature. As cone ages outside scales fall off releasing seeds. Cones retained throughout the year. Collect oldest cones to ensure mature seed. Store cones for 1-2 weeks in a warm place to release seed. Force may be needed to break up cone but seeds will separate easily after that. Protect light seeds from blowing away.

Seed Treatment Method

Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.

Seed Treatment Notes

Requires no treatment and has 40-70% germination.

Germination Time

3-6 weeks

Cutting & Division Information

Cuttings are difficult to obtain. Slender firm young growth roots readily. Regrowth after fire or disturbance usually strikes well.