About Hakea teretifolia (Salisb.) Britten
Hakea teretifolia is a prickly shrub that can grow up to 4 metres (13 feet) tall. It has thick, tough, succulent, spike-tipped leaves arranged in a spiral pattern along its stems. Flowering generally takes place in summer, though some flowers may also be seen in winter. Small white inflorescences grow on the branches, each holding 4 to 8 individual small flowers. After flowering, the plant produces sharp, pointed, dagger-shaped seed pods, which are the source of its common name. Hakea teretifolia grows in damp or wet, low-nutrient soil, specifically in heathland developed on sandstone soil. It can form dense thickets alongside heath banksia (Banksia ericifolia) and scrub she-oak (Allocasuarina distyla). It grows in moist to wet locations in heath and woodland east of Melbourne, with a separate disjunct population located in the Grampians. It can also be found in woodland growing alongside scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma), peppermint gum (Eucalyptus piperita), and red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera). In ecological terms, Hakea teretifolia is typically killed by bushfire and regenerates from seed, though individual plants with lignotubers have been recorded. In horticulture, Hakea teretifolia is rarely cultivated, but it is easy to grow when given a sunny position. Unlike many other species in the protea family, it can tolerate poor drainage. Its extremely prickly foliage works well as a deterrent. When planted in clumps, this species provides excellent shelter for small birds such as superb fairywrens (Malurus superbus) and smaller honeyeaters. The prickly foliage can also act as a deterrent to burglars.
