Hakea purpurea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hakea purpurea |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hakea
|
| Species: |
purpurea
|
 |
|
| Occurrence data from Australasian Virtual Herbarium | |
Hakea purpurea is a beautiful shrub that grows naturally in parts of Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. It's known for its bright, reddish-purple flowers.
Contents
What it Looks Like
Hakea purpurea is a dense, upright shrub. It can grow from about 0.3 to 3 meters (1 to 10 feet) tall and up to 1 meter (3 feet) wide. Its branches can be smooth or have soft, silky hairs.
The leaves of this plant are shaped like needles. They often split into 2 to 7 smaller parts near the end. These leaf segments are usually between 1.6 and 9.5 centimeters long and very thin, about 0.8 to 1.5 millimeters wide. Each leaf ends in a sharp point. When they are young, the leaves are covered in short, white or rusty-colored hairs, but they quickly become smooth.
In spring, this hakea bursts with many reddish-purple flowers. These flowers can be up to 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) long. They grow in thick clusters where the leaves meet the stem, and sometimes even on older branches. After the flowers, smooth, oval-shaped woody seed pods form. These pods are about 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches) wide and have a small, upturned beak.
Naming and History
How it Got its Name
The plant Hakea purpurea was first officially described in 1848 by a scientist named William Jackson Hooker. He published his description in a book called Journal of an Expedition into the Interior of Tropical Australia.
The name purpurea comes from a Latin word, purpureus. This word means 'purple' or 'dull red with a hint of blue'. This name was chosen because of the lovely color of the plant's flowers.
Where it Grows
Natural Home and Habitat
Hakea purpurea is found mainly in central Queensland, Australia. There is also a separate group of these plants in the hills north of Yetman in New South Wales.
This shrub prefers to grow in open forests, woodlands, and areas with heath plants. It usually grows best in sandy soil.
Growing Hakea purpurea
Gardening Tips
Hakea purpurea is a very eye-catching plant that is great for gardens. It can handle quite cold temperatures and even heavy frosts. Its colorful flowers also attract birds that feed on nectar, making it a lively addition to any garden.
