Variable-leaved Hakea - Hakea varia

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Variable-leaved Hakea - Hakea varia

Not only a shrub with variable shaped leaves (often growing together), but one with variable growth habits. A common species with a large distribution from near Geraldton (north of Perth) to Israelite Bay (east of Esperance) and in some habitats can develop into a bushy shrub to 4 metres (over 12'), but around Esperance it rarely reaches 2 metres (over 6') in height and is commonly only 1 metre, but then will be widely spreading. Here it grows into a low arching shrub, or into a tall open one with unusual shaped branches that are densely clothed in various shaped leaves.

Local forms usually have narrower leaves than those in the southwest of the State, but most have one or more relatively sharp points, although seldom skin piercing. This hakea prefers low-lying areas around swamps and along flood plains, although it will also happily grow below granite outcrops or in sandy soils overlying heavier ones, particularly where there is some seepage.

Hakea varia is another hakea species with strong honey-scented flowers, but does not seem to attract many birds, so presume the numerous flying insects that frequent it are the main pollinators. The flowering period around Esperance usually commences in June and finishes in August, but is recorded elsewhere from July to November. This variance probably relates to winter/spring temperatures, which around Esperance (being more exposed), are a little higher and rainfall a little lower, than in the more sheltered and well watered southwest of the State. However a long cold/wet winter in Esperance would likely delay flowering too.

Hakea sulcata

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Hakea sulcata

A common shrub in the southwest of WA, but of limited distribution around Esperance, although it can be locally common growing in low-lying areas like flood plains and seepage zones. The long rounded (terete) leaves are held stiffly at a wide angle to the stem and are very sharp to touch. The flowers bloom later than most other hakeas in shared habitats and are quite prolific when they do, however they do not seem to attract birds, so presume insects are the main pollinators.

The seed capsules (fruits) are tiny (6-8 mm or 1/4" in length) and although usually numerous, unless searched for are easily overlooked. They cling closely to the branches at the base of leaves and are reasonably smooth with a relatively long point (beak) at their apex. A slow growing shrub, where locally it seldom reaches a metre in height (over 3'), but apparently can reach 2 metres (6'6") in the southwest of the State. When young it is usually an open spindly plant, but can become quite bushy and develop into structurally interesting shapes.

Normally flowering around Esperance from August to October, but is recorded flowering later elsewhere.

Hakea adnata

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Hakea adnata

A bushy shrub growing to over 3 metres (10'-12') in height, and common to the north and east of Esperance. Found on flood plains and low-lying areas in association with heavier soils, although there may be a sandy loam covering. The needle shaped leaves have an upright stance along the branches, but the species is easily recognised by the hooked leaf tips,. The seed capsules (fruits) are reasonably smooth, although quite chunky with a small beak like projection at the apex.

Clusters of cream/white flowers are set in the upper leaf axils, and display a noticeable bow in the style. Although white, the flowers attract honeyeating birds and numerous insects, from which the resulting fruits are retained on the shrub until the plant is burnt by bushfire, or otherwise dies, for only then will the valves open to release the seed. Flowering is from August to October.

Cauliflower Hakea - Hakea corymbosa

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Cauliflower Hakea - Hakea corymbosa

This widespread hakea can be so densely packed with stiff sharp leaves that even small birds cannot get to its center, however there are usually small gaps for them to nest, forage or escape larger birds. This compactness and the mass of creamy/green flowers, gives this shrub its very apt and common name of the Cauliflower Hakea.

Is it a slow developing heathland shrub growing to 2 metres (over 6', although often half that size), preferring low lying areas like flood plains or seepage zones. When in flower it emits a strong honey odor, but local honeyeating birds seldom visit, so presume they are primarily insect attracting (particularly large moths), although birds or any animal wandering over the dense flower clusters should be able to pollinate them. The Cauliflower Hakea flowers from May to September, although July and August would be the main local period.

Synaphea petiolaris subspecies petiolaris

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Synaphea petiolaris subsp. petiolaris

Common in the Perth and southwest districts, but less so in the Esperance region except on gravel soils where often encountered.  It is also recorded from Israelite Bay (180 km east of Esperance). There are two other subspecies, but they only occur in the southwest of the State and north to Perth, so a long way from Esperance.

Synaphea petiolaris subspecies petiolaris is an appealing tufted species to about half a metre (1'6") high with soft, broad divided foliage that is held upright on (to) 25 cm or 10" petioles (stalks) . The bright yellow flowers although small and spaced, are located on taller vertical stems and contrast well with the broad green foliage (red/brown when new). Locally they are to be found in eroded rocky habitats (over laterite or granite) and can be most attractive nestled at the base of exposed boulders.

The pollen presenter (stigma) of the flower, is distinctly horned and partly extended beyond the perianth (flower) opening, so easily seen. Flowering is recorded from July to December, but with such a widespread species it will vary slightly from district to district, particularly in years of unseasonable rainfall and rapidly drying habitats. Locally, flowering would be contained within the months from August to November.

Synaphea spinulosa subspecies major

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Synaphea spinulosa subsp. major

Attractive small shrubs usually with deeply divided foliage and bright yellow flowers, however they can be very tricky to positively identify. Most features on these plants can be highly variable and to the casual observer, one species can look very much like another. The only definite way to separate them is by the shape of the tiny pollen presenter (stigma like top to the style), which for most people will require an eye-glass or microscope.

Synaphea spinulosa has three subspecies, but the other two are a long way to the west and nowhere near the Esperance region. The local subspecies major, has a broad pollen presenter (although more narrow when dry) often with a constriction in the middle to produce two wide angled lobes, one either side at the top. It grows to around half a metre (1'6") and is taller than a similar looking species S. media. Also if you happen upon them during their main flowering period, most of the mature Synaphea spinulosa subsp. major plants, will have branched flowering stems, but at other times they may not and other features need to be investigated.

The Synaphea genus of plants seldom occur in large colonies, but more commonly as small groups within a suitable habitat, so you tend to stumble upon them. The Synaphea spinulosa subspecies major, favours sandy soils over laterite or granite, plus sandy rises around ephemeral swamps and flood plains; it flowers from August to November, although odd flowers can be found as late as January, but these are the result of late rains and are not the norm.

Stirlingia anethifolia

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Stirlingia anethifolia

Previously known as a variety of Stirlingia tenuifolia, this shrub has been reclassified to species status, and to the name it was originally known when first described by the famous botanist Robert Brown who visited the region in 1801. The plant is a member of the heath community and can be found in sandy soils, sometimes overlying laterite or rocky substrate.

I have only encountered this species in small scattered colonies and usually 2-4 years after a bushfire has reduced other more dominant shrubby vegetation. Growing to a little over half a metre (around 2') it is quickly smothered by other shrubby heathland species and so probably requires a reasonably frequent burning cycle.

The more obvious differences between Stirlingia anethifolia and S. tenuifolia, are the darker yellow flowers and much thicker (diameter) foliage of the former, and the distinctively fine foliage of the latter. The flowering period of both species is from September to November.

Clustered Coneflower - Isopogon polycephalus

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Clustered Coneflower - Isopogon polycephalus

A common shrub of around a metre (3'), although in sheltered locations it can reach twice that height. Very adaptable regarding habitat, but the greatest number of plants can be found in deep sandy soil in flat low-lying areas surrounding ephemeral swamps or where there is subsurface moisture, however they will venture to higher and lower altitudes, in both drier and wetter habitats. Also found in sand overlying laterite and granite, so a very widespread heathland species.

You could be forgiven for thinking that this plant never flowers as you need to look very closely for the tiny flowers, which vary from 2-4 mm (around 1/8") in length and blend into the similar colored, compact hairy bracts of the flower head. The flower heads are usually around 1 cm (3/8") diameter and mostly in a terminal three-headed cluster (occasionally singularly in young plants, or in the upper leaf axils of more mature ones).

Although the flowers are small and designed for insect pollination, they are quite attractive in their setting. Many people think Western Australia is only adorned with big, bright and spectacular flowers, but there are less eye-catching plants that are also well worth a second look, as they successfully compete with the more spectacular ones for the attention of pollinators and indicate the huge diversity of species growing side by side in the highly floristic regions of Western Australia.

Flowering occurs anytime from August to January or even later if there are summer rains. The flowering heads are commonly encountered in all stages of growth, so the blooms can usually be found with little effort. The leaves, commonly between 3-10 cm (1"-4") in length, are a yellowish green and stand upright from sturdy stems. An unusual plant and well worth investigation.

Spider Smokebush - Conospermum teretifolium

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Spider Smokebush - Conospermum teretifolium

A widespread shrub of the Esperance district, although usually represented by individual plants rather than occurring in what you could describe as a colony. Mostly it grows to around a metre in height (little over 3'), but is recorded to 2 metres elsewhere, and in this region it seems to prefer deep sandy soils, being part of the heath community and often associated with Banksia speciosa.

Like many smokebushes this species produces a spectacular floral display with terminal plumes of cream or white flowers that can be seen from a considerable distance. The flowering period has been recorded from August to January, but around Esperance September to December would be the norm and when they can be seen in their prime.

Even when not in flower it has an exotic appearance, with long stout vertical pale yellowish/green foliage and held on sturdy upright stems, to make you momentary wonder what sort of unusual plant you have discovered.

Smokebush - Conospermum distichum

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Smokebush - Conospermum distichum

A compact shrub to a metre (3') in height (although usually smaller) and forming spreading colonies in heathland with deep sandy soil, where the hairy blue and grey flowers provide an eye-catching bright smoky appearance amongst other heath vegetation. As can be seen in the photographs above, this and other Conospermum species have a very small flower opening, so are not designed for bird or mammal pollination, but instead rely on various flying insects to do the job of cross pollination.

The foliage is soft and fine, and the plant blends well into the environment except when in flower when it then excells. Most flowers tend to bloom together making a stiking floral display, which fortunately for wildflower enthusests lasts for several weeks. These features of mass display and long flowering have also made this and other smokebushes, popular with the cut-flower industry, which in some instances have suffered from over-collection, although less so since most cut-flower species these days are grown commercially and not collected from the bush.

In the Esperance region flowering can begin in August and finish during November, although September and October would be the main period when displays are at their best.