Harsh hakea
Scientific classification Edit this 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.

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

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 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. ^ a b c d "Hakea prostrata". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
  4. ^ a b c Young, J A. Hakeas of Western Australia:A Field and Identification Guide. J A Young. ISBN 0-9585778-2-X.
  5. ^ Holliday, Ivan (2005). 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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