Oxymyrrhine coronata

Family: Myrtaceae
Distribution:  Woodland and forest in the Darling Range, north-east of Perth,  Western Australia.
Common Name: No generally accepted common name
Conservation Status: Not currently listed as threatened under the EPBC Act1 but geographically restricted. Probable classification 2RC under the ROTAP1 system and classified as Priority 4 under Western Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Derivation of Name: Oxymyrrhine; From Greek oxy, sharp and myrrhinos, of myrtle, apparently a reference to the shape of the sepals.
coronata; From Latin coronatus, crowned, referring to the crown-like fruits.

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General Description:

Oxymyrrhine is a small genus comprising four species that are closely related to Baeckea.  They are small shrubs that are endemic to Western Australia.

The genus was originally established in 1843 but subsequently merged into Baeckea.  It was resurrected in 20092.  Further information on the taxonomy of the genus Oxymyrrhine and related plants can be found in Geraldton Wax and its Relatives – Background.

Oxymyrrhine coronata is a small shrub up to 1 metre high.  The leaves are elliptical or oval shaped and are about 4-7 mm long and 2-3 mm wide.  The white, tea tree-like flowers are 6 – 8 mm in diameter and occur from the leaf axils in clusters towards the ends of branches. Flowering occurs from spring to mid summer.

As far as is known, this species is not in general cultivation although its attractive flowers and small growth habit could make it a useful garden plant. It would be expected to be hardy in well drained soils in full sun or dappled shade.

Seed could be expected to germinate well without pretreatment. Cuttings of firm, current season’s growth should strike readily.

  1. EPBC Act = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999;
    ROTAP = Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh, 1988)
    For further information refer the Australian Plants at Risk page
  2. Rye, B.L. (2009), Reinstatement of the Western Australian genus Oxymyrrhine (Myrtaceae : Chamelaucieae) with three new species. Nuytsia 19(1): 159-161

 

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Oxymyrrhine coronata
Photo: Kevin Thiele – Australian National Botanic Gardens

 

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