General Description:

Chamelaucium is a genus of about 25 species (some yet to be formally named) all of which occur only in south western Australia. They are generally small to medium shrubs with narrow leaves and ‘tea-tree’ like flowers.

Two subspecies of Chamelaucium floriferum are recognised:

• Chamelaucium floriferum subsp. floriferum (aka ‘Walpole Wax’) – previously listed as Chamelaucium sp. Walpole.
• Chamelaucium floriferum subsp. diffusum – previously listed as Chamelaucium sp. Nornalup.

These plants are usually small to medium shrubs, typically 1.5 – 3 metres high with linear, narrow leaves up to 40 mm long and highly aromatic when crushed. The small, pink/white flowers occur profusely in late winter and spring. They are circular in shape and about 10 mm in diameter.

Although native to a dry summer climate, Walpole Wax has been in cultivation for many years  and has been grown successfully in more humid, temperate and sub-tropical areas. However, it cannot be said to be easy to maintain for long periods in those areas and is undoubtedly more adaptable to areas of dry summers. The plant requires a very well drained position, preferably in sandy soil in sun or semi shade. Once established, plants will tolerate periods of extended dryness. If needed, the plants respond well to pruning back by about one third annually.

Propagation from seed is difficult but cuttings of firm, current seasons growth usually strike readily. Some experiments have been carried out into grafting Chamelaucium species onto Kunzea flavescens, Kunzea ambigua and Leptospermum petersoni. This work shows promise.

* EPBC Act = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999;
For further information refer the Australian Plants at Risk page