Harsh hakea is a tough shrub or small tree, growing up to 5 m tall and found on the coastal plain and in the Darling Range. It owes its common name to its prickly leaves. Its species name is prostrata (Latin for “prostrate”) because the first specimens identified by Europeans were low growing and adapted to a coastal environment. Abundant sweet scented flowers occur in late winter or spring.
Ref:
“Leaf and branch: trees and tall shrubs of Perth” by Robert Powell. Published by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, 2009
“Hakeas of Western Australia: A field and identification guide” by JA Young, 2006.