Hakea teretifolia (Salisb.) Britten

Growth Form

Hakea teretifolia is a prickly shrub that can grow up to 4 metres (13 feet) tall.

Leaf Characteristics

It has thick, tough, succulent, spike-tipped leaves arranged in a spiral pattern along its stems.

Flowering Period

Flowering generally takes place in summer, though some flowers may also be seen in winter.

Inflorescence Details

Small white inflorescences grow on the branches, each holding 4 to 8 individual small flowers.

Seed Pod Features

After flowering, the plant produces sharp, pointed, dagger-shaped seed pods, which are the source of its common name.

Soil Habitat

Hakea teretifolia grows in damp or wet, low-nutrient soil, specifically in heathland developed on sandstone soil.

Associated Vegetation

It can form dense thickets alongside heath banksia (Banksia ericifolia) and scrub she-oak (Allocasuarina distyla).

Distribution Range

It grows in moist to wet locations in heath and woodland east of Melbourne, with a separate disjunct population located in the Grampians.

Woodland Associate Species

It can also be found in woodland growing alongside scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma), peppermint gum (Eucalyptus piperita), and red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera).

Fire Response

In ecological terms, Hakea teretifolia is typically killed by bushfire and regenerates from seed, though individual plants with lignotubers have been recorded.

Horticultural Cultivation Notes

In horticulture, Hakea teretifolia is rarely cultivated, but it is easy to grow when given a sunny position.

Drainage Tolerance

Unlike many other species in the protea family, it can tolerate poor drainage.

Foliage Deterrent Properties

Its extremely prickly foliage works well as a deterrent.

Bird Shelter Value

When planted in clumps, this species provides excellent shelter for small birds such as superb fairywrens (Malurus superbus) and smaller honeyeaters.

Security Deterrent Use

The prickly foliage can also act as a deterrent to burglars.