Hakea laurina
Common name: Pincushion Hakea
Family: PROTEACEAE (80 Genera)
Origin of Scientific Name
Hakea: After Christian Ludwig, Baron von Hake (1745 – 1818), German patron of botany.
laurina: from Latin laurus = bay or laurel tree + inus = like
Description
Erect shrub or small tree, growing to a maximum height of 6 m.
The attractive, olive-green foliage is prominently veined and resembles some Wattle or Eucalypt foliage. The striking axillary (formed in the axil between leaf and stem) inflorescences, up to 5 cm across, are comprised of cream styles (the pins) emerging from deep pink/red perianths (the cushion) and they are present in clusters of up to 10. The fruit is shortly-beaked and up to 2.2 cm across.
Distribution
The south west coast of Western Australia, from Wagin south to Denmark and east to Israelite Bay There are also a couple of populations near Perth and Baldivis. Refer to the distribution map for this species via the Department of Environment and Conservation's FloraBase online herbarium.
Flowering Season
April to August
Cultivation/Propagation
This species is weakly rooted and very susceptible to high winds, often failing completely. It is recommended that you plant this species in a protected position and staking is recommended whilst establishing. It is easily grown from seed without any pre-treatment and adapts to almost any garden soil as long as it is lime-free.
Pests and Diseases
Susceptible to root rot fungus.
View In Kings Park
Second bed west of water garden, next to Forrest Drive, opposite road to DNA Tower. To help locate this site, you may be interested in downloading the Western Australian Botanic Garden Guide brochure via our brochures page.
Due to the extended warm season we are having, Hakea laurina may flower a little late this year, so it is possible you may not see it until the end of April or even May.