Geraldton Wax
A flowering shrub endemic to Western Australia
Scientific name:
Chamelaucium uncinatum
Other names:
Geraldton waxflower
Overview
Chamelaucium is a genus comprising about 30 species, most commonly known as Geraldton Wax, a flowering plant endemic to Western Australia. It is a dense shrub that typically grows between two and six metres in both height and width. Geraldton Wax is one of the most well-known Australian flowers, frequently used for decoration. However, this shrub possesses one of the most unique and versatile flavours among Australian plants.
Geraldton Wax is evergreen and features narrow needle-like foliage. There are numerous commercially available varieties. In the wild, Geraldton Wax is primarily white with varying purplish tinges, but there are deeper purple varieties cultivated for commercial purposes.
History
There is no formal evidence that Geraldton Wax was used as a food source by the Aboriginal communities in South Western Australia.
Chamelaucium, a name bestowed by the French botanist Desfontaines and published in 1819, originates from the medieval Greek word kamelaukion, meaning "cloak hood." This term alludes to the conical bracts surrounding the young flowers of many species, resembling a Monk’s cloak. Uncinatum (Latin) means "hooked," referring to the tips of the leaves.
Seasonality
Geraldton Wax flowers during the winter and spring months, but the shrub is available year-round.
Habitat & Cultivation
Endemic to woodlands and heaths on sandy soils in South Western Australia, Chamelaucium is a genus comprising approximately 30 species, all found in the wild and cultivated in the southwestern region of Australia. This relatively hardy plant can thrive in most dry summer and subtropical climates.
Flavour Profiles
The shrub's flavour is exceptionally unique, encompassing notes of spruce/pine, kaffir lime, grapefruit, and lemon, coupled with a touch of astringency and bitterness.
Preparation & Cooking
The leaves of Geraldton Wax plants can serve as a versatile flavouring agent in various applications. They can be infused in oils, drinks, syrups, curing mixes, stocks, or sauces, and are frequently used in Australian distilled spirits.