Crowea

Waxflower

The genus was described and named by James Edward Smith in 1798[5] and was named "to honour James Crowe esq., F.L.S. of Lakenham, near Norwich, who died Jan 16, 1807 aged 56
This gentleman was extremely well versed in the botany of Britain, more especially in the genus Salix, to which he paid particular attention, having collected and cultivated all the species he could possibly procure
The specific name of the original species, Crowea saligna alludes to Mr. Crowe's merits in this department"

Flowers:

The flowers occur singly in the axils of the leaves, are pink and star-shaped have five petals, five sepals and ten stamens in two rings around the ovary
Crowea are closely related, and the flowers similar in appearance to those of other member of the family Rutaceae, especially Philotheca, Eriostemon and Boronia

Fruit:

Leaves:

The leaves are simple, glabrous and, as with other members of the Rutaceae, have oil glands and are aromatic

Stem & branches:

Roots:

Habit:

Habitat:

Distribution:

Species:

Additional notes:

The three species are accepted by the Australian Plant Census as at November 2020:
- Crowea angustifolia - Western Australia
- Crowea exalata - Queensland, NSW, ACT and Victoria
- Crowea saligna. - NSW
Propagation and cultivation
- There are many subspecies and cultivars, all of which are popular as ornamentals because of their abundant, attractive flowers which often occur during autumn and winter
- Hardy in cultivation, moderately tolerant of frost
- Growing best in a well-drained mulch in partial shade
- Propagation is easiest from cuttings
In popular culture:
- Crowea is the title of a waltz composed 1919 by Western Australian musician Fred Barwick

Sources of information:

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