Waxflower [Derivation uncertain; possibly Greek chamai, dwarf, and lauchis, poplar, alluding to flower; or kamelaukion, headdress of medieval Popes, alluding to form of calyptra]

Leslie R. Landrum

Shrubs, glabrous. Leaves decussate; blade venation inconspicuous. Inflorescences 1-flowered, axillary, flowers solitary in corymbose clusters. Flowers 5-merous, sessile or pedicellate; hypanthium obconic to cylindric-obconic, prolonged and bowl-like beyond ovary summit; perianth parts distinct; petals white, pink, or purple, [yellow]; stamens ca. 10, about as long as perianth, equal number of staminodes sometimes present; ovary 1-locular; style equal to or longer than stamens, with a ring of hairs just below stigma; ovules 4–8. Fruits nutlike. Seed 1, winged or not. x = 11.

Species ca. 13 (1 in the flora): introduced, California; Australia.

Lower Taxon

• Chamelaucium uncinatum Schauer