Description
Hakea rugosa (also called Porcupine Hakea, among many other common names) is an upright shrub that can reach up to 3 m in height. It has a dense, spreading crown and small, rounded leaves. It is native to Australia, and is found in dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Hakea rugosa is a popular ornamental plant, often used in gardens and parks. It is also used as a windbreak or hedge plant, and is a good choice for erosion control. The plant is also used as a food source for livestock, and the wood is used for fuel.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Hakea rugosa is a white to pale pink, 5-petalled star-shaped flower, with a diameter of about 1.5 cm. The seed is a small, dark brown, ovoid-shaped seed, about 2 mm in length. The seedlings are small, thin and green, with a single cotyledon and two small, opposite leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Hakea rugosa is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 2 m (6 ft) in height. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils. Propagation is usually done from seed, which should be sown in spring or early summer. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks. It can also be propagated from cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn.