Hakea acuminata explained

Hakea acuminata is a shrub of the family Proteaceae native to Western Australia. A restricted species bearing clusters of white flowers with a green or pinkish tinge in late autumn to winter.

Description

Hakea acuminata is a multi-branched shrub growing to 0.5to high, with smooth grey bark. Shiny rich green leaves have a yellow tinge at the base, are almost flat and partially whorled in the higher flowering branches. Leaves are concave, narrowly oval to egg-shaped 3to long and 9to wide. Leaves have one to three prominent longitudinal veins on both sides. The inflorescence has 16 to 24 flowers appearing in racemes in leaf axils. The perianth is a cream-yellow and the style long and prominent. The pistil is NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long. Egg-shaped woody fruit grow singly or in pairs 25to long and 16to wide. Fruit become corky as they age and have little or no beak. Seed are blackish-brown, obliquely egg-shaped 18to long and 9to wide with a wing extending down both sides of body. From May to October clusters of cream to pale yellow, ageing to pale pink blooms appear.[1] [2] [3]

Taxonomy and naming

Hakea acuminata was first formally described by botanist Laurence Haegi in 1999 as part of the work Appendix: Hakea written by Haegi, W.R.Barker, R.M.Barker, and A.J.Wilson as published in Flora of Australia.[4]

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to two small areas along the south coast in the Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions of Western Australia between Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup. Grows on undulating plains of shrub-mallee or heath in deep white sand or loamy soils over granite.[1]

Conservation status

Hakea acuminata is classified as "Priority Two - Poorly Known", known from one or a few populations by the Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife, meaning it is rare or near threatened, due to its restricted distribution.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hakea acuminata. Electronic Flora of South Australia. Government of South Australia. 17 October 2018.
  2. Book: Young . J A . "Hakeas of Western Australia:A Field and Identification Guide" . 2006 . J A Young . 0-9585778-2-X.
  3. Book: Holliday . Ivan . "Hakeas a Field and Garden Guide" . 2005 . Reed New Holland . 1-877069-14-0.
  4. Web site: Hakea acuminata Haegi. 17 October 2018. Atlas of Living Australia. Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
  5. Web site: "Conservation Codes for Western Australia Flora and Fauna" . Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. . 31 January 2019.