Hakeas are widely distributed throughout Western Australia and are an important part of the vegetation systems. Following extensive clearing of native vegetation for farming in the past, along with serious problems of erosion and rising water table salinity, the preservation and restoration of the landscape have become increasingly important.
Hakea plants are extremely diverse in form. They range from low, spreading shrubs half a metre in size to small trees up to 10 metres in height. They can be multi-stemmed from ground level or with a single trunk and many are lignotuberous. They are hardy and adaptable plants having evolved over thousands of years and they are able to withstand a wide range of climatic conditions and soil types.
Hakeas are endemic to Australia, represented by more than 170 species and subspecies and they belong to the Proteaceae family. Of these, almost 120 are found in Western Australia. This field guide is a must for gardeners, naturalists and anybody interested in the native vegetation of Australia.