Overview
Chamelaucium, also known as waxflower, is a genus of shrubs endemic to south western Western Australia. They belong to the myrtle family Myrtaceae and have flowers similar to those of the tea-trees (Leptospermum). The most well-known species is the Geraldton wax, Chamelaucium uncinatum, which is cultivated widely for its large attractive flowers.
Description
Plants of the genus Chamelaucium are woody evergreen shrubs ranging from 15 cm (6 in) to 3 m (10 ft) high. The leaves are tiny to medium-sized and arranged oppositely on the stems. They contain oil glands and are aromatic,
Taxonomy
The genus was first defined by French botanist René Louiche Desfontaines in 1819. The derivation of the name is unclear. They are commonly known as waxplants, or wax flowers from the waxy feel of the petals.
Species
The following species are recognized in the genus Chamelaucium: *Chamelaucium axillare F.Muell. ex Benth. – Esperance waxflower *Chamelaucium brevifolium Benth. *Chamelaucium ciliatum Desf. *Chamelaucium confertiflorum Domin *Chamelaucium drummondii (Turcz.) Meisn. *Chamelaucium erythrochlorum N.G.Marchant *Chamelaucium floriferum N.G.Marchant *Chamelaucium forrestii (F.Muell.) N.G.Marchant *Chamelaucium gracile F.Muell. *Chamelaucium heterandrum Benth. *Chamelaucium lullfitzii N.G.Marchant *Chamelaucium marchantii Strid *Chamelaucium megalopetalum F.Muell. ex Benth – large waxflower *Chamelaucium micranthum (Turcz.) Domin *Chamelaucium orarium N.G.Marchant *Chamelaucium pauciflorum (Turcz.) Benth. *Chamelaucium repens (A.S.George) N.G.Marchant *Chamelaucium roycei N.G.Marchant *Chamelaucium uncinatum Schauer – Geraldton waxflower, Geraldton wax *Chamelaucium virgatum Endl. *Chamelaucium xanthocladum N.G.Marchant
Distribution and habitat
Restricted to the southwest of Western Australia, Chamelaucium species grow most commonly in heathland communities growing on sand near the coast or inland, and in granite outcrops. Some grow in more semi arid climates.
Cultivation
In cultivation, they do well in dryer climates with good drainage and sunny aspect. They are hardy to frost and drought, although sensitive to Phytophthora cinnamomi. File:Chamelaucium Purple Pride plant.jpg Chamelaucium uncinatum File:Chamelaucium ciliatum.jpg Chamelaucium ciliatum
References
* * Wilson, Peter G., O'Brien, Marcelle M., Gadek, Paul A., and Quinn, Christopher J. 2001. "Myrtaceae Revisited: A Reassessment of Infrafamilial Groups". American Journal of Botany 88 (11): 2013–2025. Available online (pdf file).