Herb: Silky Hakea


Latin name: Hakea sericea


Synonyms: Banksia tenuifolia, Conchium aciculare, Hakea acicularis, Hakea tenuifolia


Family: Proteaceae



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
3 m
(9 3/4 foot)

Flowering:
June
to July

Habitat of Silky Hakea:

Dry sclerophyll forests and heaths on sandstone soils and shales.

Other uses of the herb:

A gum, somewhat similar to gum tragacanth (which is obtained from various Astragalus spp), is obtained from the stems. Shrubs are planted for the reclamation of arid land in Spain and Portugal. Plants are used for screening purposes in Australia.

Propagation of Silky Hakea:

Seed - sow March in a greenhouse. Germination is usually good. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of mature wood.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry sclerophyll forests and heaths on sandstone soils and shales.

Medicinal use of Silky Hakea:

None known

Known hazards of Hakea sericea:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.