Hakea leucoptera

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Hakea leucoptera
Hakea leucoptera (Wanaaring).jpg
Hakea leucoptera growing west of Wanaaring, New South Wales
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Hakea
Species:
H. leucoptera
Binomial name
Hakea leucoptera
Hakea leucopteraDistMap72.png
Occurrence data from AVH

Hakea leucoptera, commonly known as silver needlewood, needle hakea, pin bush or water tree [2] and as booldoobah in Koori language, is a shrub or small tree with rigid, cylindrical, sharply pointed leaves and white, cream-coloured or yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. It is widespread and common in central parts of the Australian mainland. [3]

Contents

Hakea leucoptera habit Hakea leucoptera.jpg
Hakea leucoptera habit

Description

The habit of this plant is highly variable. It can be a small open branched tree to 5 m (20 ft) or a small multi stemmed shrub to 3 m (10 ft). The habitat is usually coarse textured soils and associated with a wide variety of species in woodland communities. [2] It is widespread throughout all mainland states occurring in dense thickets of shrubs, as scattered individual trees or a large parent tree surrounded by offspring. It has a reddish-brown close-grained timber that is soft but hard and brittle when dry.

The silvery grey to grey-blue leaves are arranged alternately along the stems. They are rigid and cylindrical in varying length from 8–35 mm (0.3–1 in) long and approximately 1.5 mm (0.06 in) wide with a sharp pointed tip. The young leaves are hoary but as they mature they become smooth. [2]

Line drawing of H. leucoptera Hakea leucoptera line drawing.jpg
Line drawing of H. leucoptera
Fruit of H. leucoptera Hakea Leucoptera seed pods.jpg
Fruit of H. leucoptera

Showy creamy white flowers are formed on short hairless stalks about 4 mm (0.2 in) long in clusters of 20 or more in axillary racemes. Hakea leucoptera flowers from late spring to summer. [2] Fruit comprises a woody follicle about 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) long which is swollen at the base but tapers to a point. The capsules open in halves longitudinally revealing 2 seeds that have an opaque wing on one side only. [2] The woody seed can persist on the branches until after the following years flowering. [4] Immature seed will not ripen off the plant and it is best to collect older fruits. Crop size varies from year to year. Once removed the fruits usually dry out and open within 1–2 weeks. [5] It is easily grown from fresh seed which usually germinates in 3–6 weeks and seed is suitable for direct seeding. [6] [7] [8]

Taxonomy and naming

Hakea leucoptera was first formally described in 1810 by Robert Brown and the description was published in Transactions of the Linnean Society of London . [9] [10] The specific epithet (leucoptera) is derived from the Ancient Greek words leukos meaning "white" [11] : 856  and pteron meaning "feather", "wing" or "fin". [11] : 640 

In 1996 William Baker described two subspecies of H. leucoptera - [12]

Hakea leucoptera was treated as part of the Sericea group, a predominantly eastern states group characterised by their simple terete leaves, few-flowered inflorescences, hairy pedicels and solitary, prominently woody fruits, these often markedly verrucose or pusticulate and usually with horns. Other members of the group are H. actites, H. constablei, H. decurrens, H. gibbosa, H. kippistiana, H. lissosperma, H. macraeana, H. macrorrhyncha, H. ochroptera, H. sericea and H. tephrosperma, predominantly from the eastern states of Australia.

Hakea leucoptera and H. tephrosperma are often confused. Initially they can often be distinguished by the mucro, curved in H. tephrosperma and usually porrect in H. leucoptera. H. tephrosperma also has a shorter floral rachis with rust-coloured hairs, and the pedicel and perianth are densely appressed-pubescent, while H. leucoptera has a longer floral rachis. Pubescent flowers in H. leucoptera seem to be confined to S.A. and N.T. [7]

Classification

Hakeas are closely related to the genus Grevillea and Finschia , both members of the subfamily Grevilleoideae within the family Proteaceae. Many species have similar inflorescences, but hakeas can be distinguished by their woody seed pods. Hakeas belong to the family Proteaceae, which includes such well known plants as Banksias, Grevilleas and Waratahs.

There are around 150 species of Hakeas and they are only found in Australia. They occur in most areas of Australia in a wide range of habitats. Many are found in arid areas but they also occur in forests and heath lands and swampy areas.

Many Hakeas have narrow leaves with sharp points which lead to common names such as "needle bush" and "needle points" This is an adaption to avoid drying out as very little leaf area is exposed to the sun and moisture loss from the leaf surface is reduced.

Most Hakeas are shrubs, some are low ground-hugging plants and others are small trees to about 10 metres. The flowers of most Hakeas resemble those of their close relative, Grevilleas with axillary clusters or racemes.

One of the main distinguishing features between Hakeas and Grevilleas is that Hakeas have woody fruits. The fruits open into two valves to reveal two seeds with a membranous wing. The seeds fit into cavities in the woody case and many make very attractive designs when the seed is released. Many of the seed cases are decorative. Some are quite large. Many have unusual shapes or they are rough with "bubbly" warts or tubercules which add interest and texture to a garden. Some Hakeas have long racemes up to 20 centimetres long. [2]

Distribution

It is found in every state of Australia except Tasmania and is commonly known as a dry country species particularly arid and semi arid regions. [15]

Uses

Shrubby forms are palatable to stock but only in times of acute feed shortage. [2]

Smoking pipes have been manufactured from the roots and in 1895 the Australian Needle-wood Pipe Company was formed in Sydney. [4]

This plant was important to the Indigenous people and inland explorers as they sourced water from the roots. [2] The tree was burnt which forced the water into the root system, then the roots were dug up. They were stripped, one end placed over a slow fire while the other over a container to force the water out. [16] This feature also enabled the plant to quickly regenerate after fire. [4]

A sweet nutritious drink was made by dipping heavily laden blossom into a cup of water or by sucking the flowers directly. [17] Hakea leucoptera flowers produce a high quality honey favoured by bees. [2]

The Indigenous people of inland Australia used corkwoods as a medicinal agent. Burns and open sores were directly applied with the burnt bark of the Hakea tree or the burnt bark mixture was combined with animal fat to make a healing ointment. [18]

The seed pods were also used for decoration by Indigenous people. The timber polishes up well and haves a very showy grain and was also used for small tannery articles. [16]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Hakea</i> Genus of plants in the family Proteaceae endemic to Australia

Hakea is a genus of about 150 species of plants in the Family Proteaceae, endemic to Australia. They are shrubs or small trees with leaves that are sometimes flat, otherwise circular in cross section in which case they are sometimes divided. The flowers are usually arranged in groups in leaf axils and resemble those of other genera, especially Grevillea. Hakeas have woody fruit which distinguishes them from grevilleas which have non-woody fruit which release the seeds as they mature. Hakeas are found in every state of Australia with the highest species diversity being found in the south west of Western Australia.

<i>Hakea petiolaris</i> Species of plant in the family Proteaceae endemic to south West Australia

Hakea petiolaris, commonly known as the sea-urchin hakea, is a shrub or small tree with cream-coloured and pink or purple flowers and woody fruit. It is endemic to the south west of Australia, occurring at the coastal plain, jarrah forest and wheatbelt regions, often at the ancient granite outcrops of Western Australia.

<i>Hakea teretifolia</i> Species of plant

Hakea teretifolia, commonly known as the dagger hakea, is a species of woody shrub of the family Proteaceae and is common on heathlands in coastal eastern Australia from northern New South Wales through to Victoria and Tasmania. A very prickly shrub, it is rarely cultivated but easy to grow.

<i>Hakea cygna</i> Species of shrub in the family Proteaceae endemic to Western Australia

Hakea cygna, commonly known as the swan hakea, is usually a dense shrub endemic to Western Australia with creamy-white upright flowers appearing from July to August.

<i>Grevillea barklyana</i> Species of tree in the family Proteceae endemic to Victoria, Australia

Grevillea barklyana, also known as gully grevillea or large-leaf grevillea, is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to Western Gippsland in Victoria, Australia. It is an erect shrub or small tree, with mostly pinnatifid leaves with two to eleven lobes, and whitish pink to fawn flowers.

<i>Hakea decurrens</i> Species of plant in the family Proteaceae from Australia

Hakea decurrens, commonly known as bushy needlewood, is a species of shrub or small tree in the family Proteaceae.

<i>Hakea platysperma</i> Species of shrub of the family Proteaceae native to south west Western Australia

Hakea platysperma, commonly known as the cricket ball hakea, is a shrub in the family Proteaceae. It has long, sharply pointed, needle-shaped leaves and fragrant cream-reddish flowers in clusters from July to October. It is endemic to the south west of Western Australia.

<i>Hakea cycloptera</i> Species of shrub in the family Proteaceae endemic to South Australia

Hakea cycloptera, commonly known as elm-seed hakea, is a shrub in the family Proteaceae endemic to South Australia. It is a small spreading shrub with an abundance of pale pink or white flowers from December to August.

<i>Hakea lorea</i> Species of shrub or small tree in the family Proteaceae found in central and northern Australia

Hakea lorea, commonly known as bootlace oak or cork tree, is a species of shrub or small tree in the family Proteaceae found in central and northern Australia. It has needle-shape leaves, yellow, white or green flowers and hard corky bark.

<i>Hakea chordophylla</i> Species of shrub or small tree in the family Proteaceae from central and northern Australia

Hakea chordophylla, commonly known as bootlace oak, bootlace tree, corkwood, or bull oak, is a species of shrub or small tree in the family Proteaceae found in central and northern Australia. Bares very showy golden yellow, pale green or cream nectar rich flowers in winter.

<i>Hakea macraeana</i> Species of shrub in the family Proteaceae native to eastern Australia

Hakea macraeana, commonly known as the willow needlewood or Macrae's hakea, is a species of shrub native to eastern Australia. The species was first formally described by botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1886 in the Australian Journal of Pharmacy. The species name honours one George Macrae, who aided the original collector William Baeuerlen.

<i>Hakea tephrosperma</i> Species of plant

Hakea tephrosperma commonly known as hooked needlewood, is a shrub or small tree species in the family Proteaceae. It has cream flowers, needle-shaped leaves and is one of the taller species adaptable for dry to temperate locations.

<i>Hakea dohertyi</i> Species of plant in the family Proteaceae endemic to central New South Wales in Australia

Hakea dohertyi, commonly known as the Kowmung hakea, is a shrub endemic to a restricted locale in the Great Dividing Range in central New South Wales in Australia.

<i>Hakea cucullata</i> Species of in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia

Hakea cucullata, commonly known as hood-leaved hakea, cup hakea or scallop hakea, is a species of shrub in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. An attractive shrub with unusual distinctive foliage and beautiful large pink, red or deep purple scented flowers.

<i>Hakea lissosperma</i> Species of plant in the family Proteaceae from south eastern Australia

Hakea lissosperma, commonly known as needle bush and mountain needlewood, is a species of Hakea native to parts of south eastern Australia.

<i>Hakea divaricata</i> Species of plant in the family Proteaceae native to an area in central Australia

Hakea divaricata, commonly known as needlewood, corkbark tree or fork-leaved corkwood, is a tree or shrub in the family Proteaceae native to an area in central Australia. A slow growing species with up to 120 showy cream to greenish-yellow flowers in long racemes from June to November.

<i>Hakea stenophylla</i> Species of plant in the family Proteaceae endemic to Western Australia

Hakea stenophylla is a shrub or tree in the family Proteacea, with sweetly scented creamy-white flowers. It is endemic to Western Australia.

Hakea leucoptera subsp. leucoptera, commonly known as silver needlewood, needlewood, needle bush, needle hakea or kulua, is a shrub or small tree with cylinder-shaped leaves and with flowers which have a covering of white, woolly hairs on the flower stalks. It is found in western New South Wales, north-western Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory. It grows in grassland, shrubland and woodland.

Hakea leucoptera subsp. sericipes is a small tree with cylinder-shaped leaves and clusters of up to forty-five white fragrant flowers. It is found in northwestern New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

<i>Hakea rostrata</i> Species of plant in the family Proteaceae, native to South Australia and Victoria

Hakea rostrata, common name beaked hakea, is a flowering plant in the family Proteaceae, native to South Australia and Victoria.

References

  1. ↑ "Hakea leucoptera". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Cunningham, G.M.; W.E. Mulham; P.L. Milthorpe; J.H.Leigh (1981). Plants of Western New South Wales. Government Printing Office, Sydney: Soil Conservation Services of NSW.
  3. ↑ "Hakea leucoptera - needlewood" (PDF). Holbrook Landcare Network. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 Urban, A (1993). Wildflowers & Plants of Inland Australia. Fishermens Bend, Vic.: Portside Editions.
  5. ↑ Ralph, M. (2003). Growing Australian Native Plants from Seed - for revegetation, tree planting and direct seeding. Fitzroy. Vic.: Murray Ralph/ Bushland Horticulture.
  6. ↑ Ralph, M. (1993). Seed Collection of Australian Native Plants for Revegetation, Tree Planting and Direct Seeding. Fitzroy. Vic.: Murray Ralph/ Bushland Horticulture.
  7. 1 2 Flora Base. "FloraBase". Department of Parks and Wildlife Western Australian Herbarium. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  8. ↑ "Flora of South Australia". South Australian Government. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  9. ↑ "Hakea leucoptera". APNI. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  10. ↑ Brown, Robert (1810). "On the natural order of plants called Proteaceae". Transactions of the Linnean Society of London. 10 (1): 180. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  11. 1 2 Brown, Roland Wilbur (1956). The Composition of Scientific Words. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press.
  12. ↑ Baker, William R. (1996). "Novelties and taxonomic notes relating to Hakea Sect. Hakea (Proteaceae), mainly of eastern Australia" (PDF). Journal of the Adelaide Botanic Garden. 17: 180–182. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  13. ↑ "Hakea leucoptera subsp. leucoptera". APNI. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  14. ↑ "Hakea leucoptera subsp. sericipes". APNI. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  15. ↑ Maiden, J.H. "The Forest Flora of New South Wales" . Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  16. 1 2 Greig, D (2002). A photographic guide to Wildflowers of Outback Australia. Australia: A photographic guide to Wildflowers of Outback Australia.
  17. ↑ Hiddens, L. (2002). Bush Tucker Field Guide. South Yarra. Vic.: Explore Australia.
  18. ↑ Low, T. (1991). Wild food plants of Australia. (R.Ed). Nth Ryde, NSW.: Angus & Robertson.
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