Common name: Smokebush

Family: PROTEACEAE

View image slideshow

Origin of Scientific Name

Conospermum – (Greek) conos – a cone, and spermum – seeded, referring to the shape of the nut. 

wycherleyi – after Dr Paul Wycherley (1928–2018), Director of Kings Park and Botanic Garden from 1971–1992.

Description

Conospermum wycherleyi is an erect small to medium shrub that occurs naturally in the biodiverse northern sandplains of Western Australia between Perth and Geraldton. It grows to 1.5 metres as a rounded shrub with large soft and decorative white plumed flowers held above the foliage from July to November. 

During a 1990s review of the Conospermum genus by the Kings Park botanist, Dr Eleanor Bennett, Conospermum wycherleyi was a newly described species named for Dr Paul Wycherley, in recognition of his contribution to the management and scientific outcomes of Kings Park and Botanic Garden as Director. During his time as Director, he developed the science programs that later placed Kings Park as a research institute of international standing. 

This species is not common in cultivation but can often be found at the Friends of Kings Park plant sales.

Horticultural tips

• Prefers well-drained sandy soils and a full sun position.

For more horticultural tips view our Plant Notes section.

View in Kings Park

Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden to see Conospermum wycherleyi in the Northern Sandplains garden bed at Roe Gardens.

Want more information?

Refer to the profile for this plant on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' FloraBase online herbarium.