The genus Hakea is possibly not as well known or as often grown as it deserves to be. While many of the more spectacular flowering species come from Western Australia, there are many interesting ones in the eastern states and, indeed, quite a number in Queensland. Some of the Western Australian species are quite adaptable to Queensland conditions and grow and flower well. All Hakeas seem to prefer well drained situations. Once established, they are the most hardy of plants. They withstand long periods of drought and, alternatively, very wet conditions, as well as cold and windy positions. They are highly frost tolerant.

Foliage.
A great variety of leaf forms exist in this most interesting genus. Many have terete or needle-like foliage, some have eucalyptus-like leaves, while others are harsh, broad and prickly, tough and infinitely variable. Shall we say Nature has provided this very persistent and enduring material in their make-up to withstand the rigours of a many times harsh environment.

Rainfall.
Some species do not like high rainfall. However, most subjects react beneficially to better garden conditions and higher moisture.

Flowers.
A great range of colours and flower forms exist in Hakeas. They include red, pink, black, white, cream, yellow, purple, brown and even one Western Australian species has pale blue flowers. Many occur as plumes, brushes, pincushions and in small claw-like forms. Some of the latter are distributed along the stems as individuals or en masse, or again, in leaf axils. Others, such as Western Australian forms - H. cucullata and H. conchifolia - have shell-shaped leaves and the flowers nestle at the base of these leaves, not unlike a babe in a cradle.
 
 

Lignotubers. Many species develop lignotubers or a swollen rootstock as they grow older. This is a source of regrowth or regeneration after hard times of drought or fire. One Queensland species, H. purpurea, I recently cut almost to ground level and left for dead. The quite considerable lignotuber, larger than a cricket ball, responded with a multi-burst of new growth. This was aided and abetted by recent consistent rainfall. This magical regrowth has occurred in just a few short weeks.

Needlewood Hakea purpurea. Family Proteaceae.

Pest Free.
Hakeas are normally pest-free, possibly because of their tough resilient foliage and stems. One species however was lost because of borer infestation, but this can be controlled if treated in the early stages, particularly with a wire probe to kill the borer, and the use of methylated spirits in the immediate area of the holes. It can be applied into the holes with a small pressure oil can. It may require repeated applications. Borers are perhaps more prevalent in the wild, but under reasonably good garden conditions, should present no problems.

Seed.
Most Hakeas set viable seed in quantity, being good and copious flowerers. The seed vessels are characterised by their unique, woody, horny containers, which persist on the plant for long periods. These seed vessels are particularly necessary for positive identification, especially with closely associated species in their natural habitat. When ripe, they may be removed, often with some difficulty, due to their hard nature. After removal, if placed in a paper bag, they will open in a few days to reveal two seeds embedded in each capsule. The seeds can then be planted.

Germination.
Generally, I find Hakea seed easy to germinate at most times of the year. Of course, fresh seed usually gives more positive results. Stored seed can deteriorate if kept too long. It keeps for long periods in good dry places at low temperatures.

A mix of four parts coarse sand and one part of fine peat is a good medium in which to raise seed. It should be kept moist at all times, but not over-wet. It is also advisable to dunk in a container and water capillary-wise, rather than overhead. This prevents infection and damping off. Keeping under cover is also suggested to prevent disturbance and dispersal of seed.

A successful method of setting seed to germinate is by planting point down to the depth of the seed, allowing the wing to protrude above the medium. This allows the seed to dispel excess moisture and is preferred to planting in a flat position. However, with some very large seeded varieties, planting flat is preferred, covering with a little sand. Do not water overhead! Emergence of the young plants varies from 20 to 40 days, according to species, viability and prevailing conditions. When true leaves appear and young plants are growing well, they may be transplanted carefully into pots to grow on before becoming garden subjects.

Distribution.
The number of species naturally occurring in Australia is approximately 150, of which about 130 are named. Western Australia heads the list with over 90 species. South Australia and Queensland have about 18 each, Tasmania 9, Victoria 8, and New South Wales 10. Many species, of course, overlap from state to state.

One outstanding species from south-east Queensland is H. purpurea, once listed in early days as a Grevillea because of its flower resemblance. This plant is found in abundance in the Miles, Barakula, Gurulmundi areas and is a recommended garden plant. It can be variable, not only in height and spread (from 60cm to 2 metres), but also the flower colour ranges from pink to red. However, good red colours seem to predominate. The attractive needle-like foliage can vary in length and degree of prickliness. Flowering time is spring and early summer. As mentioned, the flowers uncannily resemble a Grevillea, but of course the seed vessels designate it as a Hakea Varieties in Queensland. These include - H. dactyloides, H. eriantha, H. gibbosa, H. florulenta, H. fraseri, H. lorea, H. microcarpa and H. purpurea - to mention a few. H. fraseri and H. lorea look very much alike, but have botanical differences to make them separate species. They are both tree forms with bottlebrush-like flowers of green, yellow and cream. They are relatively slow growing and long lived and usually are found in low rainfall areas.

Needle Hakea Hakea gibbosa. Family Proteaceae.

Conclusion.
Growing Hakeas is both an interesting and rewarding undertaking. I have growing some 30 plants of 15 species about 9 or 10 years of age. I have raised these from seed. Recently I added a further 30-odd seedling plants of about 20 species. During continuous wet weather, there have been some losses of dry area species, which has to be expected. Plants I have found to be most susceptible to very wet conditions include H. multilineata, H. bucculenta, H. francisiana and H. grammatophylla.

Generally the older plants have been trouble-free with only one loss - H. saligna - due to borer infestation. A little unthriftiness in odd plants occasionally could be attributed to a lack of iron. Once treated, they resume a good green colour. One plant, H. amplexicaulis, has shown a temporary browning of some leaf margins. Possibly a boron deficiency. However, it seems to come and go and could be a natural idiosyncrasy of that species. Some attention is needed for young plants to get them established in respect of water requirements. After making active growth, they seem to require little attention.

Willow-leaf Hakea Hakea salicifolia (H. saligna). Family Proteaceae.

Of all the Proteaceous plants I have grown, Hakeas are the hardiest and most dependable. They are long-lived, easy to grow and consistently good flowerers. The infinite variety in their form, foliage and flowers is a pleasure all year round.

(The author has a garden in southern Queensland at an altitude of about 600 metres.)