Hakea psilorrhyncha explained

Hakea psilorrhyncha is a flowering plant in the family Proteaceae, it is endemic to a small area on the west coast in the Wheatbelt and Mid West regions of Western Australia. It has needle-shaped, sharply pointed leaves and clusters of scented brownish yellow flowers.

Description

Hakea psilorrhyncha is an erect very prickly shrub typically growing to a height of 1to with a slender growth habit and does not form a lignotuber. The terete leaves grow alternately on branchlets and are NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and wide ending with a very sharp point. The branchlets and new leaf growth is a rusty colour. The inflorescence consists of 6-8 sweetly scented brown-yellow clusters of flowers in the leaf axils on a stem long. The pedicel is long and thickly covered in cream-white to deep yellow, flattened silky hairs. The perianth long and the pistil long. The large ovoid fruit are rough and corky NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long by NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide ending with a curving short beak. Flowering occurs from September to October.[1] [2] [3]

Taxonomy and naming

Hakea psilorrhyncha was first formally described in 1990 by Robyn Mary Barker and the description was published in Flora of Australia.[4] It was named from the Greek psilos (smooth) and rhynchos (snout) referring to the beak of the fruit.[1]

Distribution and habitat

This hakea grows in mallee or open heath on deep sand, loam or clay from Geraldton and south to Moore River National Park.[1]

Conservation status

Hakea psilorrhyncha is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Young . J A . Hakeas of Western Australia:A Field and Identification Guide . J A Young . 0-9585778-2-X.
  2. Book: Holliday . Ivan . Hakeas:A Field and Garden Guide . Reed New Holland . 1-877069-14-0.
  3. Book: Barker . Robyn M. . Haegi . Laurence A. . Barker . William R. . Flora of Australia Volume 17B Proteaceae 3 Hakea to Dryandra . 1999 . ABRS . 0-643-06454-0.
  4. Web site: Hakea psilorrhyncha . Australian Plant Name Index . 31 August 2021.