Hakea
constablei is a tall erect shrub with narrow prickly leaves and white
spring flowers. Large woody fruits follow the flowers (see image). Flowering
is usually prolific. We have a specimen at Yallaroo that is about eight years
old. Hakea constablei is an excellent hedgerow plant. The species could
also be used as a foreground plant in windbreaks or shelterbelts. Seeds
germinate readily and we have also struck cuttings using a gel containing 8000
ppm of IBA.
Up to a few years ago the species was only known from
Mount Wilson area in the Blue Mountains. Another population was discovered
near Mittagong in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Between this second site and
Mount Wilson is some of the roughest country in Australia. No doubt other
populations exist in this largely unexplored area.