Chamelaucium uncinatumCommon name: Geraldton Wax
Meaning of name: The derivation of Chamelaucium is not certain but could be referring to the Latin word camelaucum, a term applied to the headgear of medieval Popes. Uncinatum is from the Latin word uncinatus, meaning hooked or barbed.
Distribution: Occurs from Kalbarri to Perth.
Remarks: An erect shrub to 3 metres tall. The pink flowers are produced from August to November. This is a highly invasive garden plant originally from the Geraldton area.
References: Western Weeds, A Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia. BMJ Hussey, GJ Keighery, J Dodd, SG Lloyd, RD Cousens. 1997.
Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings, a Glossary. FA Sharr. 1996.
Flora of the Perth Region. NG Marchant, JR Wheeler, BL Rye, EM Bennett, NS Lander, TD Macfarlane. 1987.
Chamelaucium uncinatum, Geraldton Wax, is a common garden and roadside plant. But it spreads easily into bushland.
There is a local form of this plant growing in Bold Park, Perth. It is in danger of extinction by hybridising with commercial varieties.
