Scientific Name: Hakea microcarpa

Common Name: smallfruit needlebush

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Proteaceae

Form Description: Small rigid woody shrub.

Height (m): 1 – 3

Flowers: Creamy-white spider-like, prolific.

Fruit: Seed follicle – ovoid at right angle to stem, 1–1.2 cm long; valves semi-woody when dry. Seed and wing brown, 6–10 mm long, wing extending partly along one side of seed.

Municipality
Break O’DayCentral HighlandsCircular HeadDerwent ValleyDorsetGlamorgan-Spring BayKentishLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSouthern MidlandsWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationHeathRiparian
Habitat Notes

In wet areas along stream banks and near bogs in rocky situations, in heath and woodland. Locally frequent in open situations on the banks of streams and in alpine and sub-alpine scrub. Does not adapt to stagnant conditions. Tolerates heavy frost and drought.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Useful for planting in wet areas with other species for drainage control. Provides low-level cover (up to 2m) in mixed species plantings for shade and shelter, particularly on damp sites. Bird attracting. The foliage provides refuge for small birds. The flowers provide food for native insects. Resistant to wildlife browsing due to its unpalatability.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Drops seed after it matures. Bag the seedpods with pantyhose or paper bags.

Seed Treatment Method

Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.

Seed Treatment Notes

Propagation rates usually high with fresh seed.

Germination Time

3-6 weeks