General Description:

Hakea is a genus of about 150 species, all of which are endemic to Australia. Hakeas can be found in many different environments; the tropics, mountains, the coast and desert areas. The most diversity in the genus occurs in the south of Western Australia.

Hakea macrocarpa is a large, lignotuberous shrub from 1-6 metres high. Leaves are linear to about 30mm long by 3-10mm wide with a curved or sickle shape. The flowers occur mainly in winter forming pendulous racemes up to 150mm long in the leaf axils. The flower colour is cream or greenish yellow. Flowers are followed by woody seed pods about 40mm long containing two winged seeds, the usual number for all Hakea species. Unlike many other hakeas which retain the seed in the pods until stimulated to release them by environmental conditions (eg after a bushfire), the pods shed the seed on maturity.

Hakea macrocarpa is virtually unknown in cultivation has been mainly grown by enthusiasts. Limited experience by the Hakea Study Group suggests it may be able to be grown in southern Australia in addition to dry tropical areas. It should be able to tolerate extended dry conditions once established. It is fairly quick growing but may be sensitive to severe frosts. The flowers are attractive to honeyeating birds and the species is best grown in an open, sunny position

The species should be easily grown from seed. The success of propagation from cuttings is not known.