Proteaceae

leucoptera — from Greek leucos, white and pteron, wing, referring to ashy-white seed wings (although they may be brownish-grey).

Common name refers to leaves which have very sharp points.

Hakea leucoptera subsp. leucoptera, H. l. subsp. sericipes

Distinguish from Hooked Needlewood (H. tephrosperma) by its silvery leaves with straight points and glabrous flowers.

Bushy shrub to 2 m or small tree to 5 m, open-branched crown, straight rigid branches. Rigid cylindrical leaves 2-9 cm long. Creamy white flowers, late spring-summer. Long-lived.

Coarse-textured soils, as individual trees or dense thickets. Tolerates heavy soil and partial shade, hardy and moderately frost tolerant. Prefers 300 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect throughout the year, seeds retained. Propagate from fresh seed (±300 viable/gram), germinates in 3-6 weeks. Suitable for direct seeding into pots or field. Regenerates from root suckers.

Good habitat, nectar source for birds and insects, foliage provides nesting sites for small birds. Fuelwood easily split. Timber used for small turnery and smoking pipes. Roots used as water source by First Nations People. Ornamental, decorative woody fruit. Light producer of fair quality honey.