Hakea teretifolia

Botanical Name: Hakea teretifolia
Common Name: Dagger needlebush
Family: Proteaceae
Size: 1-4m H x 0.5-2m W
Leaves: Rigid, narrow, cylindrical, sharp pointed, 2-4cm long, at right angles to the stem.
Flowers: White, scented, spider-like, along the stems.
Flowering Time: Summer.
Fruit: Long, dagger-shaped, 2-seeded follicle, with a ring of sharp warts around the base of the long beak.

Habitat/distribution: Damp heathlands along the northern and eastern coasts. Widespread, especially in coastal heaths. Also WA, SA, Vic, NSW, Q, NT.
Where to See: Narawntapu NP; Bridport Wildflower Reserve, St Helens area and many locations in the north east; Freycinet and Schouten Island, Forrestier Peninsula and near Orford, Tasman NP and throughout the Tasman Peninsula; and many other places in the south east; Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens; and Tasmanian Bushland Garden, Buckland; also some home gardens.
Other notes: This species is a small to medium, spreading, woody shrub with sharp leaves and dagger-like fruit. It is very hardy, slow growing and tolerates dry conditions. Its sharp pointed leaves make it a barrier to people and animals and a good bird nesting site. It grows in most well drained soils in full sun.