The Banksia Marginata are commonly found in Southern Western Australia. The temperature range of this area is around 25-35 degrees in the warmer months and 8-16 degrees in the cooler months. The average rainfall is around 867mm. Species such as the honey eaters forage in the spikes of the plant. It has been cut down for timber, but is usually seen as a garden plant. They are able to survive in soil which lacks nutrients.
Challenges in their environment
Due to the dry country environment that most Banksia Marginata's live in, frequent bush fires pose a risk to the plant. One fire can wipe out just under half the species. Frequent bush fires can make it difficult for the species to continually re-generate as they are continually being burnt, not allowing enough time for Banksia to grow
Another threat the plant faces is diseases such as dieback. Dieback attacks the roots of the plants, destroying the structure. Very few Banksia Marginata's are able to slightly adapt to fight this disease.
adaptations
Most Banksia Marginata's are found in fire prone areas. When fires go through the area much of the plants are wiped out. They have adapted so that when the plant is burnt they quickly re-generate seeds around. The fire stimulates the opening of seeds. This avoids the species being wiped out and allows for new seeds to grow.
The Banksia Marginata is drought resistant. This adaptation allows the plant to survive for long periods of time with out water, which is vital during times of drought so the plant does not die.