Willow hakea

Willow hakea

Hakea salisifolia

Common Name:

Willow hakea

Scientific Name:

Hakea salisifolia


Alternative common names:

Wilgerhakea (Afrikaans), willow-leaved hakea and finger hakea.

Description:

Willow hakea is a shrub or small tree adapted to a Mediterranean climate. It is capable of surviving hot, dry summers but not restricted to these conditions. It flowers in spring and early summer (September to January) in South Africa. Infestations of this plant replace indigenous vegetation and prevent the regeneration of indigenous species.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Eastern Australia.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 1b in the Western Cape.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Western Cape.

How does it spread?

Dispersed by seeds.

Why is it a problem?

Invades fynbos, grassland, woody kloofs, roadsides and urban open space.

What does it look like?

Leaves: Leaves are pale or greyish green to dark green, leathery, flat, linear to lance-shaped, 50-100mm long and 6-7mm wide. New foliage is reddish.

Flowers: Flowers are white, scented and small, appearing in dense clusters from September to January.

Fruit/seeds: Fruits are woody capsules, 20-23mm long and 15-20mm wide, grey with dark warts, splitting into two equal valves.

Does the plant have any uses?

Used for hedging, shelter and ornamentation.

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