Biology:Regelia megacephala
| Regelia megacephala | |
|---|---|
| |
| R. megacephala inflorescence in Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Regelia |
| Species: | R. megacephala
|
| Binomial name | |
| Regelia megacephala C.A.Gardner[1]
| |
| 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.
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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Regelia megacephala". APNI. https://biodiversity.org.au/boa/instance/apni/523410. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "The genus Regelia". Australian Native Plants Society Australia. http://anpsa.org.au/APOL25/mar02-14.html. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ↑ Sharr, Francis Aubi; George, Alex (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 250. ISBN 9780958034180.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Regelia megacephala". FloraBase. https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/6015. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
- ↑ "Extension of Quartz Mining and Strategy for Resource Access and Biodiversity Conservation". Environmental Protection Authority Perth, Western Australia. http://epa.wa.gov.au/EPADocLib/989_B1027.pdf. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ↑ "Simcoa Operations:FAQ". Simcoa Operations Pty Ltd. http://www.simcoa.com.au/faq.html. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ↑ "Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna". Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/documents/plants-animals/threatened-species/Listings/conservation_code_definitions.pdf. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
- ↑ Raleigh, Royce. "Newsletter: February-April 2015". Wimmera Growers of Australian Plants Inc.. http://www.apsvic.org.au/members/newsletters/Wimmera%202015%20February%20-%20April.pdf. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ↑ 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.
Wikidata ☰ Q15380752 entry
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