Hakea neospathulata facts for kids

The Hakea neospathulata is a special kind of shrub. It belongs to the Hakea plant family, which is part of the larger Proteaceae family. This plant grows naturally in the Mid West and western Wheatbelt areas of Western Australia.

This shrub usually grows to be about 1 to 0.5 meters tall, which is like 3 to 1.5 feet. It has pretty red flowers that bloom from August to September.

What is Hakea neospathulata?

Hakea neospathulata is an open shrub, meaning its branches spread out. It's known for its bright red flowers that appear late in winter and early spring. These flowers add a splash of color to the Australian landscape.

This plant is found in several natural areas in Western Australia. These include the Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, and Swan Coastal Plain regions.

How Hakea neospathulata Got Its Name

Plants often get their names changed over time, and Hakea neospathulata is a good example!

This plant was first described way back in 1870 by a scientist named George Bentham. He called it Hakea auriculata var spathulata. Later, in 1990, another scientist, Robyn Barker, decided it was unique enough to be its own species. She named it H. spathulata.

However, there was a problem! Another plant (a fossil Hakea found in Russia) had already been given the name H. spathulata in 1883. This meant the name Robyn Barker chose was not allowed. It was an "illegitimate" name because it was already in use.

So, in 2014, a scientist named Ian Turner gave the plant its current official name: H. neospathulata. The "neo" part means "new," so it's like the "new spathulata" Hakea. This new name helped clear up the confusion and gave the plant its proper identity.