Hakea varia



Hakea varia, commonly known as the variable-leaved hakea, is a shrub of the family Proteaceae and is endemic to Wheatbelt, South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions of Western Australia. It is a dense prickly shrub with creamy-white or yellow flowers and variably shaped leaves.

Description
Hakea varia is an erect or spreading shrub typically growing to a height of 1 to 4 m and 3 m wide and forms a lignotuber. The branchlets and young leaves have flattened, densely matted silky hairs, quickly becoming smooth. The stiff leaves may be variable on the one plant, needle-shaped, simple, more or less elliptic, egg-shaped, toothed, 1-4 cm long and 2-5 mm wide. All variations of leaves always end in a sharp point 1-2 mm long. The inflorescence consists of 16-36 sweetly scented white-cream or yellow showy flowers in axillary clusters. The inflorescence stalk is 2.5-4 mm long with coarse longish hairs. The over-lapping bracts are 4.5 mm long and inner bracts rust coloured. The pedicels are 2-4 mm long and the pistil 4-5 mm long. The perianth 2.5-3.5 mm long and white. Flowering occurs from July to November and the ovoid fruit are small, coarse, warty, or smooth, 1.5-2 cm long, usually under 1 cm wide, and ending with an outward curving sharp horn 3.5 mm long.

Taxonomy and naming
Variable-leaved hakea was first formally described by Robert Brown and published the description in Transactions of the Linnean Society of London. Named from the Latin varius - variable referring to the many differing leaf shapes.

Distribution and habitat
Hakea varia is a widespread species growing from north of Perth around the coast to Augusta and Esperance. Prefers winter wet situations on sand, clay, loam and gravel. A frost tolerant species favouring a sunny or shady aspect. A dense prickly shrub good for wildlife habitat.

Conservation status
Hakea varia is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.