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.
