Family:

Proteaceae

Hakea tephrosperma

Hooked Needlewood

Other Names: Striped Hakea, Needlewood.

Name Origin:

tephrosperma — from Greek tephro, ash grey and sperma, seed, referring to ash-coloured seed (not always apparent).

Regional Subspecies:

Similar Species:

Distinguished from Needlewood (Hakea leucoptera) by curved points on its leaves, minutely hairy flower stems and dark-coloured seed wing.

Occurrence:

Regional:

Not widespread, but more common in west of region. Noted in the areas: Brookong; Boree and Narrandera-Morundah-Galore-Collingullie.

Australia:

Qld, NSW, Vic, SA.

Habitat:

Usually on coarse-textured soils, as individual trees or in dense thickets of shrubby plants.

Habit:

Small tree or shrub 3-12 m high. Often with drooping branches. Sparse crown of cylindrical leaves 2-9 cm long.

Site Preference:

Very hardy. Tolerates moderate frost.

Flowering:

Cream, spring. Attractive spider-like flowers.

Seed Collection:

Easily collected when seed available, generally winter-spring. Seeds retained on plants.

Propagation:

Most Hakeas easily grown from fresh seeds which usually germinate in 3-6 weeks. Direct sow into pots (2 seeds per pot) or into field.

Regeneration:

Mainly from root suckers, particularly when protected from grazing.

VALUES:

Wildlife:

Excellent cover for small native birds. Flowers are a food source for honeyeaters.

Timber:

Deep-red with attractive ‘cartwheel’ pattern. Turned to produce small ornaments.

Ornamental:

Attractive woody fruit, and beautiful flowers if mass-planted. Very hardy in cultivation.

Other:

Nectar can be sucked from flowers or mixed with water for sweet drink.