About Hakea laevipes Gand.
Species Identity and Growth Form
Hakea laevipes Gand. is an erect, bushy, lignotuberous shrub that grows 0.3 to 3 metres (1 to 10 feet) high.
Branchlet Characteristics
At flowering time, its dark brown branchlets are densely covered with short, soft hairs.
Leaf Shape
Its leaves range from lance-shaped (tapering at both ends) to egg-shaped, and are occasionally spatula-shaped or sometimes sickle-shaped, curving to a sharp point.
Leaf Size and Venation
Leaves are 5–12 cm (2–5 in) long and 4.5–30 mm (0.2–1 in) wide, with 3–5 longitudinal veins and prominent secondary veins.
Fruit Characteristics
The fruit is broadly three-dimensional to egg-shaped, 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) long and 13–21 mm (0.5–0.8 in) wide, with a rough, warty surface that ends at the apex in an indistinct beak.
Flower Color and Flowering Period
This species produces cream-colored flowers from October through January.
Distribution and Habitat
Hakea laevipes is a widespread species that grows from the coast to the tablelands of New South Wales, mostly on sandy soils in dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, and heath.
New South Wales Range
It occurs north of Green Cape, and inland extends to the Warialda and Yetman districts.
Queensland Range
It also grows in south-eastern Queensland.
