About Hakea francisiana F.Muell.
Hakea francisiana F.Muell. is a non-lignotuberous shrub or tree with an open growth habit, typically reaching 3 to 8 metres (9.8 to 26.2 ft) in height. It has a V-shaped canopy, rough bark, and evergreen linear leaves that grow up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long and around 3 millimetres (0.118 in) wide. This species blooms from July to October, which falls within winter and spring, and produces pink-red flowers. Flowers grow in large racemes that can reach up to 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in length, emerging from leaf axils. Most flower colour ranges from red to reddish purple, but the population previously classified as H. coriacea usually produces cream flowers with a pink centre. After flowering, woody seed pods around 20 millimetres (0.79 in) long develop, each containing two winged seeds. Pods release seeds under specific conditions, such as after a bushfire. Hakea francisiana is very similar in appearance to Hakea bucculenta and Hakea multilineata. It is endemic to the Wheatbelt, Mid West, and Goldfields–Esperance regions of Western Australia, ranging from Geraldton in the west, north to Wiluna, south to Lake Grace, and east into the Great Victoria Desert. Its distribution also extends into western parts of South Australia. It grows on sandplains in sandy-clay, loam, or clay soils, which often contain gravel and quartz. It is most commonly a component of mallee woodland and shrubland communities. In cultivation, Hakea francisiana requires a full sun position and needs minimal watering. It is used as an ornamental plant, and provides habitat for birds and bees. It tolerates drought, lime, and light to moderate frost, and is sometimes grafted onto hardier rootstock.
