Common names

Hooked Needlewood, Striped Hakea, Needlewood.

Scientific names

Hakea tephrosperma.

Family

Proteaceae.

Genus

Hakea.

Name origin

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

Rainfall

300mm.

Growth rate

Slow.

Growth height

3-12m.

Presence in Australia

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

This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, SA.

Habitat

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

Habit

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

Similar species

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

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.

Timber

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

Wildlife

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

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.