Geebungs & Hakeas
and other members of the Proteaceae family of the
Lane Cove National Park
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Geebungs & Hakeas and other members of the Proteaceae family of the Lane Cove National Park |
home -
contact us -
about this
To return to Lane Cove National Park Wildflowers index |
Although the Family Proteaceae is "only" the fifth largest of the Australia flora in terms of the number of species, it boasts some of the most popular and well known - including the Waratah and Old Man Banksia.
The Grevillea genus, with over 350 species, is the third largest genus - after Acacia and Eucalyptus.
Many of the species below are very prolific in the Park.
The Pennant Hills - Whale Rock Walking Track is one of the more popular walks in the Park.
Beginning and ending at Pennant Hills Park this 5 km loop takes in open heath, woodland and rainforest.
Some advice on the walk -
◊ It is best to walk in a clockwise direction as the track leading down to the Lane Cove River is very steep.
◊ There are some causeways that may be awash after heavy rain.
◊ Look out for "over enthusiastic" bicycle riders.
Having said all that, the walk is marvellous and most of the photos on these web-pages were taken on this track or on its many arteries. So take time and seek out the many floral delights on offer.
Select the thumbnail image to see the full image.
 Orange candle like cones in Autumn with Rosemary like leaves. See also our Heath Banksia web page. |
 It gets its name from the underside of its leaves which are white and shine in the sun. See also our Silver Banksia web page. |
 Distinctive cream cones in summer with serrated leaves - all growing on wonderfully gnarled trees. See also our Old Man Banksia web page. |
 Named after the brown underside of its leaves. Its 10cm flowers spikes appear in Autumn. See also our Fern-leaved Banksia web page. |
 Flowering in autumn and winter, its hook-like styles (hairpins) come in black, purple, red, orange and yellow. See also our Hairpin Banksia web page. |
 Small white flowers in spring and summer in sheltered areas. |
 Spring flowering and prolific in the Park. |
 Produces vibrant pink flowers in spring. |
 Magnificent crimson flowers in spring. |
 Flowering in spring, its narrow radiating spoke-like leaves characterise it. |
 Similar flower to the Narrow-leaf Drumstick but is more common. It is easily recognised by its flat radiating leaves which end in a trident like fork. |
 Although looking needle like, its leaves are soft. Its cones are more oval than the Drumstick. |
Hakeas. There are about 150 species of Hakea - all endemic to Australia. Their distinctive woody fruit (seed capsule) distinguishes them from the Grevillea genus. The fruit of the Hakea does not open until the branch supporting it dies. An image of the fruit can be shown by clicking the word "fruit" in the respective text. |
 Apply named, the bare 5cm needle-like leaves, at right-angles to the branch, distinguishes it from other Hakeas. Also known as the Silky Hakea, its bumpy horned fruit is 3cm in length. |
 Also called the Broad-leaved Hakea, its broad veined leaves identify it. The flowers are around 15mm across and appear in spring. The fruit does not have horns. |
 Appearing at first glance like a conifer, its red branchlets identify this early winter flowering Hakea. The name Blacknose, which is not widely used, refers to its warty fruit. |
 This winter flowering Hakea is identified by hairy branches and new growth. Its hairy needle-like leaves are longer (8cm) than the Bushy Needlebush, and its fruit is smoother. Also known as the Rock Hakea. |
 Probably the most prickly shrub in the bush. Besides its sharp and firm 5cm long leaves, it is identified by its dagger shaped fruit. It flowers in Summer. |
 The Willow-leaved Hakea is a small tree to 5 metres tall. It is best identified by its spring flowers and its 25mm long fruit. The leaves of ssp. salicifolia are >7 mm wide; whereas ssp. angustifolia's leaves are < 7mm. |
Geebungs - genera Persoonia. There are about 100 species of geebungs - all endemic to Australia. Their distinctive bright yellow flowers and green grape like fruit helps identify them from other plants. The word Geebung has been long immortalised in Banjo Paterson's poem The Geebung Polo Club. |
 Identified by its lance like concolourous (same colour on both sides) leaves that are broader towards the tip. Similar to P. glaucescens - but that species is restricted to the Picton/Berrima area. |
 Distinguished by its large smooth light green leaves, its golden flowers (10mm long) appear in late spring and are followed by light green balls of fruit. |
 This additional image is included to provide a close-up of the flower. It is also called the Smooth Geebung, its younger branches are red. |
 Its soft pine-like leaves quickly leads to its identification. The leaves near the flowers are shorter, and near perpendicular to the stem. |
 The Narrow-leaved Geebung has broader longer leaves than the Pine-Leaved Geebung. |
 Spot flowering throughout the year, but especially in the warmer months, its red flowers can be easily seen. Also see our Mountain Devil web page. |
 The magnificent floral emblem of NSW. Waratah is aboriginal for "beautiful"; Telopea is Greek for "seen from afar". Also see our Waratah web page. |
 Yet another flower that is stunning in close-up. Each floret is around 15mm wide. This species is identified by its long paddle-like leaves. The ssp. angustifolium's leaves are not wide towards the end. |