Furze hakea facts for kids

Furze hakea is a name that can refer to two different types of plants. Both are shrubs and belong to a plant family called Proteaceae. These plants are native to Australia.

What is Furze Hakea?

The name "Furze hakea" is often used for two specific Australian plants: Hakea ulicina and Hakea repullulans. Both are part of the large and interesting Hakea genus, which includes many unique shrubs and small trees. These plants are known for their tough leaves and often spiky, woody fruits.

Hakea ulicina: The Original Furze Hakea

Hakea ulicina is a type of shrub that grows naturally in Australia. It is well-known for its spiky leaves, which can look a bit like the gorse plant (sometimes called furze) from other parts of the world. This is likely how it got its common name.

Where Does Hakea ulicina Grow?

This plant is found in the southeastern parts of Australia. It grows in states like Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. You can often spot it in woodlands, forests, and heathlands, especially in sandy or gravelly soils. It's quite adaptable and can grow in different environments.

What Does Hakea ulicina Look Like?

Hakea ulicina is usually a medium-sized shrub, growing up to about 3 meters (10 feet) tall. Its leaves are stiff and needle-like, often ending in a sharp point. These leaves can be quite long, sometimes up to 10 centimeters (4 inches). The flowers of Hakea ulicina are small and creamy-white. They grow in clusters in the leaf axils, which are the points where leaves join the stem. This plant typically flowers in late winter and spring, from July to October. After flowering, it produces woody fruits that are oval-shaped and contain two winged seeds.

How Does Hakea ulicina Reproduce?

Like many plants in the Hakea family, Hakea ulicina produces seeds inside its tough, woody fruits. These fruits often stay on the plant for a long time, sometimes only opening after a bushfire. This is a special adaptation that helps the seeds survive fires and then spread when conditions are right for new growth.

Hakea repullulans: The Spreading Hakea

Hakea repullulans is another plant sometimes called Furze hakea. It is also a flowering plant in the Proteaceae family, just like Hakea ulicina. Its name, "repullulans," means "sprouting again," which refers to its ability to regrow from its roots after disturbances like fire.

Where Does Hakea repullulans Grow?

Hakea repullulans is found in the southern parts of Australia. Its main home is in Victoria and South Australia. It often grows in dry, open woodlands and heathlands, preferring sandy or gravelly soils.

What Does Hakea repullulans Look Like?

This plant is typically a dense, spreading shrub that can grow up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) tall and wide. Its leaves are stiff, narrow, and sharply pointed, similar to Hakea ulicina. They are usually dark green and can be up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) long. The flowers of Hakea repullulans are creamy-white or pale yellow. They grow in clusters along the branches, often hidden among the leaves. This species usually flowers from late winter to early summer, between July and November. After flowering, it develops woody, egg-shaped fruits that are about 2-3 centimeters (1 inch) long. Each fruit contains two winged seeds.

How Does Hakea repullulans Survive and Grow?

A unique feature of Hakea repullulans is its ability to regrow from its rootstock after a fire or other damage. This means that even if the top part of the plant is destroyed, the roots can send up new shoots. This adaptation helps it survive in environments where bushfires are common. Like other Hakeas, its seeds are stored in tough, woody fruits that protect them until conditions are right for germination, often after a fire.