Needlebush, Silver Needlewood
Hakea leucoptera
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
A medium to large shrub. It grows 2-5 m high and spreads 2-3 m wide. It can be spreading or upright. The leaves are narrow. They are 4-8 cm long and 2 mm wide. They are very sharp. The flowers are white and in showy clusters. The fruit are hard woody follicles. They are 2.5-3 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. They are broad and swollen in the lower half. The seed has a light brown wing. The seed is black.
There are about 130 Hakea species.
Where it is found
It grows in warm temperate places and suits arid or semiarid locations. It needs well drained soil. It needs full sun. It can stand heavy frosts. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 230-460 mm. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The watery sap from the roots is used for survival in desert areas.
Edible parts
Roots - sap, nectar
How it is grown
Plants form root suckers and could be grown from these. Plants can be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Bin.gawin.gal, Kulua