Regelia megacephala

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Regelia megacephala
Regelia megacephala 0082.jpg
R. megacephala inflorescence in Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne
Status DECF P4.svg
Priority Four — Rare Taxa (DEC)
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Regelia
Species:
R. megacephala
Binomial name
Regelia megacephala
Synonyms

Melaleuca gardneri Craven & R.D.Edwards

Regelia megacephala is a plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a taller shrub than others in its genus, with small, rounded leaves and clusters of purplish-red flowers from October to December.

Contents

Description

Regelia megacephala is an erect, straggly shrub which grows to a height of 2–5 m (7–20 ft). Its leaves are small and are arranged in alternating pairs (decussate) so that they make four rows along its long stems. [2]

The flowers are mauve and arranged in dense heads 15 mm (0.6 in) across on the ends of long stems which continue to grow after flowering. There are 5 sepals, 5 petals and 5 bundles of stamens. Flowering occurs from September to December and is followed by fruit which are woody capsules. [2]

Taxonomy and naming

Regelia megacephala was first formally described in 1964 by the Australian botanist, Charles Gardner in Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia. [1] The specific epithet (megacephala) means "large-headed". [3]

Distribution and habitat

Regelia megacephala grows in red sand on rocky quartzite hills in the Avon Wheatbelt and Swan Coastal Plain biogeographic regions. [2] [4] It is closely associated with Coomberdale chert which is mined for the production of silicon and is threatened by mining activity. [5] [6]

Conservation

Regelia megacephala is classified as "Priority Four" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife [4] meaning that is rare or near threatened. [7]

Use in horticulture

Regelia megacephala is not often seen in cultivation but is frost hardy, will grow in full or partial sun and is suitable for narrow gardens. [2] [8] Its commercial potential for export as a Christmas flower has been assessed. [9]

References

  1. 1 2 "Regelia megacephala". APNI. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "The genus Regelia". Australian Native Plants Society Australia. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  3. ↑ Sharr, Francis Aubi; George, Alex (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 250. ISBN   9780958034180.
  4. 1 2 "Regelia megacephala". FloraBase. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  5. ↑ "Extension of Quartz Mining and Strategy for Resource Access and Biodiversity Conservation" (PDF). Environmental Protection Authority Perth, Western Australia. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  6. ↑ "Simcoa Operations:FAQ". Simcoa Operations Pty Ltd. Archived from the original on 15 February 2011. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  7. ↑ "Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna" (PDF). Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
  8. ↑ Raleigh, Royce. "Newsletter: February-April 2015" (PDF). Wimmera Growers of Australian Plants Inc. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  9. ↑ Seaton, Kevin (2013). Development of intergeneric rootstocks for christmas flowering verticordia a new christmas flower. Barton, A.C.T.: RIRDC. pp. 1–21. ISBN   978-1-74254-452-6.
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