Regelia cymbifolia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Regelia cymbifolia
R. cymbifolia growing near Woogenellup in the Stirling Range area
Conservation status
Priority Four — Rare Taxa (DEC)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Regelia
Species:	cymbifolia
Synonyms
Melaleuca cyathifolia Craven & R.D.Edwards

Regelia cymbifolia is a special plant that belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which is also known as the myrtle family. This plant is found only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It is a bushy shrub with many branches. It has tiny, wedge-shaped leaves. In spring, it grows clusters of deep pink to purple flowers at the ends of its branches.

What it Looks Like

Regelia cymbifolia is a shrub that grows up to about 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall. It has many branches. Its leaves are arranged in a cool way: they grow in pairs, with each pair at a right angle to the one below it. This makes them form four neat rows along the stems. The leaves are shaped like an egg and are usually less than 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) long. They are curved, with the bottom half pressed against the stem. Each leaf has a clear line down the middle, called a mid-vein.

The flowers are a beautiful deep pink to purple color. They grow in small groups at the tips of the branches. Even after the flowers bloom, the branches keep growing. Each flower has 5 sepals (small leaf-like parts that protect the bud), 5 petals, and 5 groups of stamens (the parts that make pollen). This plant flowers between August and November. After flowering, it produces woody capsules, which are like small seed pods.

How it Got its Name

The plant Regelia cymbifolia was first described in 1905 by a scientist named Ludwig Diels. He first thought it might be a different type of plant. Later, in 1964, another scientist named Charles Gardner correctly identified it as Regelia cymbifolia.

The second part of its name, cymbifolia, comes from two Latin words. "Cymba" means "a boat," and "folius" means "leaved." So, cymbifolia means "boat-leaved," which describes the shape of its leaves.

Where it Lives

Regelia cymbifolia grows in a small area near the Stirling Range in Western Australia. This area includes parts of the Avon Wheatbelt, Esperance Plains, and Jarrah Forest regions. It likes to grow in sandy soil on gently rolling plains.

Protecting the Plant

The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given Regelia cymbifolia a special classification called "Priority Four." This means the plant is rare or almost threatened. It is important to protect these plants so they do not disappear.

Growing it in Gardens

Regelia cymbifolia is not very well known in gardens. However, it has been grown successfully in Kings Park, a famous botanic garden in Perth.

Images for kids

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  R. cymbifolia growth habit

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  R. cymbifolia fruit