Hakea lorea
Family: Proteaceae
Gnarled tree which can grow to 6m high with thick, fissured bark. The cream to pale yellow flower spikes often appear in winter.
The thin leaves can reach 45cm in length and give rise to another common name - bootlace tree.
This tree grows in a wide range of habitats including rocky ranges, dry open woodland and spinifex sandplains. The thick bark insulates the trunk and protects it from fire enabling it to survive and regrow new shoots afterwards.
Where to find this plant at Alice Springs Desert Park
These plants are present throughout the Woodland habitat. Excellent examples can also be seen along the entry road to the park.
Source:
Latz, P., 1995. Bushfires and Bushtucker, IAD Press, Alice Springs
Moore, P., 2005. A Guide to Plants of Inland Australia, Reed New Holland, Sydney