Hakea prostrata

Hakea prostrata, commonly known as harsh hakea,[2] is a species of shrub that is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a low-lying shrub with prickly leaves and groups of white or cream-coloured flowers in late winter and early spring.

Harsh hakea habit

Harsh hakea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Hakea
Species:
H. prostrata
Binomial name
Hakea prostrata
Occurrence data from Australasian Virtual Herbarium
Synonyms

Hakea glabella R.Br.

Description

Hakea prostrata is a shrub which grows to between 1–3 m (3–10 ft) in height with spreading branchlets. The oblong-obovate stem-clasping leaves have prickly edges and a central vein. Plentiful sweetly scented white or cream flowers are produced in axillary racemose inflorescences between July and October in its native range.[3][4][5]

Taxonomy and naming

Hakea prostrata was first formally described in 1810 by botanist Robert Brown and published the description in Transactions of the Linnean Society of London.[6] The specific epithet (prostrata) is a Latin word meaning "down flat", "overthrown" or "laid low",[7] referring to the low growing, coastal form of this plant.[3][4]

Distribution and habitat

Harsh hakea is found from Geraldton to Esperance. It grows on hillsides, in shallow soil on granite outcrops and an stabilised sand dunes.[3][4]

Conservation status

Hakea prostrata is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government.[3]

References
  1. "Hakea prostrata". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  2. Archer, William. "Hakea prostrata". Esperance Wildflowers. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  3. "Hakea prostrata". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.
  4. Young, J A. Hakeas of Western Australia:A Field and Identification Guide. J A Young. ISBN 0-9585778-2-X.
  5. Holliday, Ivan. Hakeas:A Field and Garden Guide. Reed New Holland. ISBN 1-877069-14-0.
  6. "Hakea prostrata". APNI. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  7. Brown, Roland Wilbur (1956). The Composition of Scientific Words. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. p. 481.
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