Hakea verrucosa

Hakea verrucosa is a spreading prickly shrub growing to 0.8–2.6 m (3–9 ft) high and does not form a lignotuber. The branchlets are covered mostly in densely matted, short, rusty hairs. The green terete leaves are about 2–6.3 cm (0.79–2.48 in) long and 1–1.5 mm (0.039–0.059 in) wide, ending in a sharp point 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) long. The leaves are smooth and have a tendency to point in one direction from the branchlet. The pendant inflorescence consists of 7-14 white, pink to red flowers in a showy profusion in axillary clusters, or on old wood. Each inflorescence is held on a stalk about 3–16 mm (0.12–0.63 in) long. The pedicel 2–5.4 mm (0.079–0.213 in) long, the perianth 6–9 mm (0.24–0.35 in) long, initially a cream-white and aging to pink and the pistil 21–25 mm (0.83–0.98 in) long. Flowering occurs between May and August and the fruit are obliquely egg-shaped 2.2–3.1 cm (0.9–1 in) long and 1.2–1.4 cm (0.5–0.6 in) wide with blister-like protuberances, tapering to two horns 2.5–5 mm (0.098–0.197 in) long.[2][3][4]

The species was first formally described in 1865 by Victorian Government Botanist Ferdinand von Mueller and published in the fifth volume of his Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae.[5] Named from the Latin verrucosus - warty, referring to the seed surface.[3]

Hakea verrucosa grows in heath and low woodland on sandy-loam, near creeks, clay and gravel ranging from Jerramungup along the coast to Esperance.

A frost-tolerant species that requires a well-drained site. Due to its dense prickly growth habit a good wildlife habitat and low windbreak.[3]

Hakea verrucosa is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government. Department of Parks and Wildlife.[2]