Hakea platysperma
| Cricket ball hakea | |
|---|---|
| |
| In the ANBG | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Hakea |
| Species: | H. platysperma
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hakea platysperma | |
| |
| Occurrence data from Australasian Virtual Herbarium | |
Hakea platysperma, commonly known as the cricket ball hakea or woody peach, is a shrub of the family Proteaceae native to south western Western Australia. It is most notable for its large woody fruit which are used in the cut flower industry, and resembling cricket balls gives the species its common name.
Description
Sweetly scented creamy pink to yellowish flowers appear in profusion in axillary racemes. The leaves are terete reasonably thick to 3 mm (0.1 in) diameter and 3–15 cm (1–6 in) long. The fruit are the largest of all Hakea species. The globose - cricket ball shaped fruit 4.5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) long by up to 6.5 cm (3 in) in diameter, with a smooth surface.[1]
Taxonomy and naming
The species was first formally described in 1842 by Joseph Dalton Hooker in his book Icones Plantarum.[2][3][4] Its species name is derived from the Ancient Greek platy - wide, and sperma - seed, referring to the large, circular fruit.[5]
Distribution and habitat
Hakea platysperma is found in the Avon Wheatbelt, Coolgardie, Geraldton Sandplains and Mallee biogeographic regions of Western Australia.[4]
Conservation status
Hakea platysperma is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government.[4]
Cultivation
The main horticultural appeal of this species is the giant woody seed pods, which have been used in cut flower arrangements. H. platysperma can be grown in a sunny position in well-drained soil.[6]
References
- ^ Holliday, Ivan. Hakeas: A Field and Garden Guide. Reed New Holland.
- ^ "Hakea platysperma". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- ^ Hooker, Joseph Dalton (1842). Icones Plantarum. London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green, & Longman et al. p. 433. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
- ^ a b c "Hakea platysperma". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ Young, J A. Hakeas of Western Australia:A Field and Identification Guide. J A Young. ISBN 0-9585778-2-X.
- ^ Wrigley, John; Fagg, Murray (1991). Banksias, Waratahs and Grevilleas. Sydney, New South Wales: Angus & Robertson. p. 395. ISBN 0-207-17277-3.