Hakea lorea

(R.Br.) R.Br.

Cork Bark, Bootlace Oak, Corkwood oak, Western cork tree

Proteaceae Edible: Flowers - nectar, Drink 615 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Hakea lorea, commonly known as bootlace oak or cork tree, is a species of shrub or small tree in the family Proteaceae found in central and northern Australia. It has needle-shaped leaves, yellow, white or green flowers and hard corky bark.

Description

A small gnarled tree. It grows 4-5 m high. The bark is thick, corky and furrowed. The leaves are needle like and 30 cm long and have a sharp point. The flowers are in yellow clusters. The fruits are in clusters. They are woody. These woody capsules have beaks. They contain 2 winged seeds. These are released when the capsule splits open.

Edible Uses

A sweet drink can be made from the crushed nectar-rich flowers. The flowers can yield a considerable quantity of sweet nectar that can be sipped with a straw or mixed with water to make a sweet beverage.

Traditional Uses

The flowers are either sucked to get the nectar or squeezed into water to produce a sweet drink.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in sandy loams on plains. It grows on rocky soils. It can tolerate frosts. It needs a warm sunny position and a well-drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seed.

Production

Plants are slow growing.

Notes

There are about 130 Hakea species.

Also Known As

Kartanpa, Witjinti

References (10)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 530
Cancilla, D., 2018, Ethnobotanical and Ethnozoological Values Desktop Assessment - Eliwana Project. p 13
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1990, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 5. Lothian. p 214
Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 365
Goddard, C. & Kalotas A. (Eds.), Punu, 2002, Yankunytjatjara plant use. Jukurrpa books. p 38

Show all 10 references

Lang, P. J., et al, 1986, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands Biological Survey. p 43
Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 127
Paczkowska, G . & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Calatogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 494
Petheram, R.J. and Kok, B., 2003, Plants of the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. UWA Press p 487
Townsend, K., 1994, Across the Top. Gardening with Australian Plants in the tropics. Society for Growing Australian Plants, Townsville Branch Inc. p 245