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

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

Noted south-west of the Olympic Highway, in the areas: Simmons Creek-North west Culcairn; Burrumbuttock-West Hume; Long Plain-West Hume and Urana-Rand-Corowa.

Mainland states and territories.

Coarse-textured soils. Individual trees or dense thickets of shrubby plants.

Bushy shrub to about 2 m high or small tree to about 5 m high. Open-branched crown, straight, rigid branches and rigid cylindrical leaves 2-9 cm long.

Tolerates relatively heavy soil and partial shade. Hardy and moderately frost tolerant.

Long-lived.

Creamy white, late spring-summer. Sometimes profuse.

Throughout year, as seeds generally retained.

From fresh seed (± 300 viable seeds per gram) which generally germinate in 3-6 weeks. Suitable for direct seeding into pots (2 seeds per pot) or into field.

Root suckers.

Good habitat. Flowers are a nectar source for native birds and insects. Foliage good nesting sites for small birds.

Easily split.

Timber reddish-brown, close-grained, hard and tough, with small oak-like appearance. Used in small turnery work, and takes good polish. Smoking pipes were made from roots.

Roots a source of water. Roots dug up and one end placed in slow fire, forcing water out other end.

Ornamental. Decorative woody fruit. Plant in full sun. Adaptable in cultivation.

Light producer of fair quality honey.