Chamelaucium, commonly known as waxflower, is a genus of woody evergreen shrubs in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae, order Myrtales), endemic to southwestern Western Australia. Plants range from dwarf forms just 15 cm high to shrubs reaching 3 m, with opposite, oil-gland-bearing leaves that release a pleasant aroma when crushed. The flowers are small, with five petals and ten stamens, followed by small hardened fruit. Fourteen species are recognised, the best known being the Geraldton wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum), widely cultivated as a garden plant and for the international cut flower trade. The genus belongs to the Chamelaucium alliance, a group of closely related Western Australian Myrtaceae that includes Verticordia, Calytrix, Darwinia, and Baeckea.
Etymology
The derivation of the scientific name Chamelaucium is unclear. The common name "waxflower" refers to the waxy texture of the petals.
Distribution
The genus is restricted to southwestern Western Australia, where species grow in heathland on sandy soils near the coast and inland, on granite outcrops, with some species extending into more semi-arid environments.
Ecology
Chamelaucium species are adapted to heathland communities on sand and granite outcrops in Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. They are sensitive to the soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Cultivation
Waxflowers thrive in drier climates with well-drained soils and a sunny aspect. They are frost- and drought-hardy but susceptible to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. The most widely cultivated species, Chamelaucium uncinatum (Geraldton wax), is a popular garden plant across southern Australia and is grown commercially for the cut flower industry in the United States and Israel.
Cultural uses
Chamelaucium uncinatum is widely grown for the international cut flower trade, with commercial production in the United States and Israel, and is a popular garden ornamental across southern Australia.
Taxonomy
The genus was established by French botanist René Louiche Desfontaines in 1819. Fourteen species are currently recognised. Chamelaucium is the type genus of the Chamelaucium alliance, an informal grouping of closely related genera within Myrtaceae that includes Verticordia, Calytrix, Darwinia, Micromyrtus, Thryptomene, and Baeckea.
