Regelia megacephala
{{Short description|Species of shrub}}
{{Speciesbox
|image = Regelia megacephala 0082.jpg
|image_caption = R. megacephala inflorescence in Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne
|status = P4
|status_system = DECF
|genus = Regelia
|species = megacephala
|authority = C.A.Gardner
|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 {{convert|2-5|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=on}}. Its leaves are small and are arranged in alternating pairs (decussate) so that they make four rows along its long stems.{{cite web|title=The genus Regelia|url=http://anpsa.org.au/APOL25/mar02-14.html|publisher=Australian Native Plants Society Australia|accessdate=27 August 2015}}
The flowers are mauve and arranged in dense heads {{convert|15|mm|in|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} 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.
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.{{cite web|title=Regelia megacephala|url= https://biodiversity.org.au/boa/instance/apni/523410|publisher=APNI|accessdate=27 August 2015}} The specific epithet (megacephala) means "large-headed".{{cite book |last1=Sharr |first1=Francis Aubi |last2=George |first2=Alex |title=Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings |date=2019 |publisher=Four Gables Press |location=Kardinya, WA |isbn=9780958034180 |page=250 |edition=3rd}}
Distribution and habitat
Regelia megacephala grows in red sand on rocky quartzite hills in the Avon Wheatbelt and Swan Coastal Plain biogeographic regions.{{cite web|title=Regelia megacephala |url=https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/6015|publisher=FloraBase|accessdate=26 August 2015}} It is closely associated with Coomberdale chert which is mined for the production of silicon and is threatened by mining activity.{{cite web|title=Extension of Quartz Mining and Strategy for Resource Access and Biodiversity Conservation|url=http://epa.wa.gov.au/EPADocLib/989_B1027.pdf|publisher=Environmental Protection Authority Perth, Western Australia|accessdate=27 August 2015}}{{cite web|title=Simcoa Operations:FAQ|url=http://www.simcoa.com.au/faq.html|publisher=Simcoa Operations Pty Ltd|accessdate=27 August 2015}}
Conservation
Regelia megacephala is classified as "Priority Four" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife meaning that is rare or near threatened.{{cite web|title=Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna|url=http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/documents/plants-animals/threatened-species/Listings/conservation_code_definitions.pdf|publisher=Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife|accessdate=7 December 2015}}
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.{{cite web|last1=Raleigh|first1=Royce|title=Newsletter: February-April 2015|url=http://www.apsvic.org.au/members/newsletters/Wimmera%202015%20February%20-%20April.pdf|publisher=Wimmera Growers of Australian Plants Inc.|accessdate=27 August 2015}} Its commercial potential for export as a Christmas flower has been assessed.{{cite book|last1=Seaton|first1=Kevin|title=Development of intergeneric rootstocks for christmas flowering verticordia a new christmas flower|date=2013|publisher=RIRDC|location=Barton, A.C.T.|isbn=978-1-74254-452-6|pages=1–21}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q15380752}}
Category:Endemic flora of Western Australia