FAMILY:

MYRTACEAE

Genus:

Chamaelaucium

species:

uncinatum

Common name:

Geraldton Wax Flower

Name derivation:

Genus: Greek chamai - low growing, leucos - white; species: Latin hooked, referring to the hooked apex of leaves.

Growth habit:

Shrub.

Dimensions:

2-4m x 2-4m.

Foliage:

Simple, opposite, linear 4cm with a blunt hooked apex, aromatic, soft.

Flower:

Waxy white-pink-red-purple, 5 petalled open flowers borne in the upper axils in small terminal clusters 2-4 flowers 2.5cm, in winter-spring.

Fruit:

Small woody capsule.

Other features:

Fast growing.

Natural distribution:

WA. Perth to Kalbarri near coastal.

Soils:

Light well drained.

Natural vegetation:

Sandy hollows between limestone.

Landcare use:

Soil erosion. Protected coastal. Hills where moisture collects.

Propagation:

Seed / Cutting.

Pests and diseases:

In heavy soils. Phytophthora dieback.