Crowea is a small genus of evergreen shrubs in the family Rutaceae (order Sapindales), commonly known as waxflowers. Native exclusively to Australia, the genus comprises three accepted species found across Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory.\n\nPlants typically reach about 1.5 metres in height. The leaves are simple, hairless, and aromatic, bearing oil glands characteristic of the Rutaceae family. The flowers are borne singly in the axils of the leaves and are distinctively pink and star-shaped, with five petals, five sepals, and ten stamens arranged in two rings around the ovary. This flower structure closely resembles that of related genera within the same family, particularly Philotheca, Eriostemon, and Boronia. Crowea are popular ornamental plants, valued especially for flowering during autumn and winter when few other shrubs are in bloom.\n\nThe genus was described by the English botanist James Edward Smith in 1798. It was named in honour of James Crowe (F.L.S.) of Lakenham, near Norwich, a keen botanist recognised for his expertise in the genus Salix. The type species, Crowea saligna, bears a specific epithet that likewise alludes to Crowe's work with willows.
Etymology
The genus was described and named by James Edward Smith in 1798 to honour James Crowe (F.L.S.) of Lakenham, near Norwich, a botanist particularly noted for his study of the genus Salix. The specific epithet of the original species, Crowea saligna, similarly alludes to Crowe's expertise in willows ("saligna" from Salix).
Distribution
All three species of Crowea are endemic to Australia. Crowea angustifolia is restricted to Western Australia, Crowea saligna occurs in New South Wales, and Crowea exalata has a broader range spanning Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria.
Cultivation
Croweas are hardy in cultivation and moderately tolerant of frost. They grow best in well-drained soil with a mulch layer, in partial shade. Propagation is most reliably achieved from cuttings.
Taxonomy Notes
Crowea belongs to the family Rutaceae (order Sapindales) and is closely related to the genera Philotheca, Eriostemon, and Boronia, sharing a similar star-shaped floral structure. The genus was described by James Edward Smith in 1798. The Australian Plant Census (as of November 2020) recognises three species.
